Call for PG to investigate flat seizures as criminal offense
Nishan argues that state actions to revoke flats granted under previous administration constitute criminal misconduct
Housing tower constructed under Gedhoruveriya Scheme
The cancellation of housing agreements under the Gedhoruveriyaa (homeowners) Scheme has sparked calls for the Prosecutor General (PG) to launch a criminal investigation into what is being described as the unlawful seizure of property.
During a press briefing held by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) Housing Committee on Thursday, concerns were raised over the state’s actions to permanently revoke flats granted under legally binding agreements made during the previous administration. Legal representative Mohamed Nishan Ibrahim argued that these actions constitute criminal misconduct under the Penal Code.
Citing Article 2011(a) of the Penal Code, the legal team emphasized that unauthorized seizure or control over another person’s property, particularly without their consent or legal grounds, amounts to a criminal offense. They argue that the state’s current actions fall squarely within this definition.
The issue centers around growing allegations that the current administration is selectively cancelling agreements issued under the Gedhoruveriyaa Scheme, reportedly with the intent to redistribute these units to politically favored individuals. Despite these claims, legal experts maintain that once a housing agreement is signed and in effect, the state does not have the authority to unilaterally revoke it without due process.
MDP’s legal team has formally urged Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef to treat this matter as a criminal case and initiate a thorough investigation into the legality of the flat cancellations.
This controversy adds to a broader pattern of political tension surrounding the government’s handling of public housing, raising concerns about transparency, misuse of authority, and potential legal violations.
