Statements taken in dismissal case of Faris, Nadira from PPM

Civil Court on Tuesday has heard the witness statements in the case submitted over the dismissal of Dhiggaru Constituency MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon and Deputy of Maumoon faction of ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives, Aminath Nadira.

Speaking to Raajje.mv about the case, Faris and Nadira’s lawyer said that PPM representatives had given their statements to Court. Previously, PPM witnesses had refused to attend session, citing health status of their lawyer Ibrahim Riza. The lawyer confirmed that Riza’s medical report had been submitted to the Court as well.

He added that PPM had put forward three members of the said Ethics Committee, Ali Waheed, Yoosuf Abdul Ghafoor and Mohamed Rafeer, as witnesses. Both Faris and Nadira had submitted documents given to them regarding their dismissal as their defense.

The lawyer further said PPM had argued the case cannot be submitted to Civil Court. Additionally, PPM raised the lack of appeal from MP Faris and Nadira, even though they had the opportunity to do so. Both points were rejected by the Court.

Prior to concluding the hearings, the Judge said that in the next hearing summary charges and verdict will be announced, but had not specified a date for the next hearings.

Faris was booted from the Party for having failed to follow the three-line whip issued by the Party on the amendments to the Tourism Act. Faris had voted against the amendments.