Qasim traveled to Germany unlawfully, will take action against him: Home Minister
Qasim was sentenced to three years, two months and 12 days in prison in August
Jumhooree Party leader, Qasim Ibrahim
Minister of Home Affairs Azleen Ahmed has said that measures will be taken against opposition Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim, who, according to him, traveled to Germany 'unlawfully'.
Qasim, sentenced to three years two months and twelve days in prison, was granted permission to travel to Singapore in September, for medical purposes. While the 10-day medical leave was extended twice, giving him an additional 15 days, his legal team, on November 28, revealed that the business tycoon and Maamigillli constituency MP is now in Germany, having traveled there under a special permit by the German authorities.
While RaajjeMV's attempts to contact the Home Minister was ignored, in an interview to a local news outlet, Minister Azleen stated that Maldives Correctional Services (MPS) had granted Qasim permission to travel to Singapore for medical treatment. He also emphasized that the time period given to Qasim 'has expired'.
Noting that MCS was not informed of Qasim's travel plans beforehand, the Minister noted that he had traveled to Germany 'unlawfully' and that he intends to take the issue to the relevant institutions.
The Minister further added that measures will be taken against Qasim, if required.
In a statement released last week, Qasim's legal team revealed that Qasim had traveled to Singapore under a special permit by German authorities 'on humanitarian grounds', noting that he had previously sought treatment there. It said that his doctors, both in Singapore and Germany, had advised him to go to Germany for further treatment.
The statement further noted MCS' refusal to extend the travel document issued to Qasim, forcing them to appeal to Singaporean authorities 'for a special visa'.
The Maamigilli constituency MP was found guilty of bribery on August 24. Criminal Court had held the sentencing hearing at night, while Qasim was hospitalized after collapsing in court earlier that day. He was sentenced in absentia.
