The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has submitted a no-confidence motion to the People's Majlis against Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, accusing him of influencing the investigation into the case of a young woman falling from the ninth floor of a building in the capital Malé City onto the roof of an adjacent warehouse on April 18.
The submission of the motion was announced by MDP's Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil at a press conference held by the party's PG on Tuesday. He said the motion was submitted with the signatures of 12 MDP members.
Nazil said the decision to submit Ameen's case to the parliament was made after considering the ongoing youth protests, media reports, and additional information gathered by the party.
The motion submitted by MDP states that the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives stipulates, as part of the responsibilities of the Cabinet of Ministers, that no member of the Cabinet shall use any information received in their official capacity or take advantage of their position to improperly benefit themselves or any other person.
MDP noted that it is known from the minister's own words that two individuals related to him are among those suspected in the case, and that information released by the Maldives Police Service (MPS) so far also indicates that events related to the incident took place at Maandhooge Dhekunuge, where Ameen resides.
The party stated that there are indications that the minister is attempting to influence the ongoing police investigation to protect parties with whom he has family ties and to absolve them of potential criminal responsibility.
In this regard, MP for South Galolhu constituency Meekail Ahmed Naseem has said that Ameen calling senior police officials while they were entering Maandhooge Dhekunuge in connection with the case, and refusing to provide security footage claiming that the cameras were “damaged”, are actions that indicate lack of confidence in the minister.
Further, the motion submitted by MDP also states that it is believed that Ameen's continued tenure as minister could result in the loss of rights for Maldivian citizens and could pose a threat to the safety and security of the Maldives.