MP Qasim barred from flying, medical leave not extended!

Lawyers for Jumhooree Party Leader and Maamigili Constituency MP Qasim Ibrahim has revealed that the airline had once again refused to allow him to board the plane, citing that he was unfit to fly.

The medical leave granted to the Parliament expired on Monday.

A statement released by the lawyers stated that Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) had ordered the family of the Parliamentarian to hand him over to the service before Monday. However, it added that the airline had refused to allow him to board the flight on Monday, as his medical status had not changed from the last time.

Therefore, it said the airline had refused to grant him access to board the flight to Maldives from Singapore. This, the lawyers said had been communicated to MCS.

The lawyers said the medical report submitted by MP Qasim’s doctors clearly indicated that he is to undergo a cardiac EP study in Singapore’s Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital on the 19th of this month. It also noted that he has to undergo more medical treatment in Singapore.

In response to the repeated requests sent in by the family, MCS had, at 4.55pm on Monday, said the medical leave granted cannot be extended.

The lawyers had called on the state and relevant bodies to grant extension to the medical leave under the procedures and laws, referring to the advice of doctors and Criminal Court verdict.

They added that even at the time of sentencing, MP Qasim’s life was in critical condition as verified by doctors at IGMH, ADK Hospital and Medica Hospital. The lawyers noted that while MP Qasim was undergoing medical treatment and while his treatment was at a critical stage, it was deeply concerning that state authorities insisted that he return back at the expense of his wellbeing and health.