AG does not have the power to appeal "even part" of the verdict on Qasim: Shameem
The former deputy prosecutor general made the statement on RaajjeTV's 'Fala Surukhee' programme on Saturday night
Former deputy PG Hussain Shameem (center right) with client Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim (c)
The attorney general does not have the authority to appeal "even part" of the verdict on Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim, says former deputy Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem.
He made the statement on RaajjeTV's 'Fala Surukhee' programme on Saturday night, adding that he does not believe that the motion submitted by Attorney General Mohamed Anil will be accepted by the court.
Noting that the High Court "knows what is there in the Maldives Constitution," Shameem said that it states that the Prosecutor General has the power "to appeal any judgement, verdict or decision in a criminal matter".
He added that both the High Court and Supreme Court had previously noted that only the PG can file appeal motions in criminal matters.
"If the Maldives Correctional Services or the AG have any issues with a court ruling, they have to take the matter to the PG. The PG will decide what to do. So, the attorney general's office making the appeal is in violation of the Constitution. We are not concerned over this," said Shameem.
Last week, the attorney general's office submitted a motion to nullify part of the verdict on Qasim Ibrahim- the part which ordered state institutions to facilitate medical treatment for him- at the High Court. Qasim was sentenced to three years, two months and 12 days in prison on bribery charges on August 24.
Shameem further noted that the medical board at MCS is yet to complete the procedures to allow Qasim to fly abroad on medical leave, adding that there is no other obstacle preventing him from traveling.
"We have received the necessary documents; including doctors' letters and the court order. There is no need to even go to the medical board, since we have the court order Qasim should be allowed to travel without going to the medical board," added Shameem.
While the Jumhooree Party leader has been receiving treatment for a lung and heart condition for most of his life, he had been admitted to hospital thrice this year, with doctors advising that he be sent abroad, as the medical attention he requires is not available in the Maldives. He is still admitted at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), where he was taken after collapsing in court on August 24.
