Two former attorney generals have questioned Prosecutor General Aishath Bisham’s independence after a photo of her leaving the President’s Office spread online.
The photo shows the PG waiting for her car outside the President’s Office, with Home Minister Azleen Ahmed.
Husnu Suood, the attorney general during former President Mohamed Nasheed's administration, said on Twitter that the Constitution prohibits the PG from discussing individual cases with the President and cabinet members.
“In 2008, PG's post was separated from AG's office specifically to make the prosecution free from executive/political influence,” reads his tweet.
Our constitution prohibits PG to discuss individual cases with the President and members of his cabinet. In 2008, PG's post was separated from AG's office specifically to make the prosecution FREE from executive/political influence. pic.twitter.com/iBSQ1WQwkJ
— Husnu Al Suood (@hsuood) March 24, 2018
In addition, former attorney general Dhiyana Saeed questioned the reason behind the PG and Home Minister visiting the President’s Office, saying that it undermines confidence in the PG’s independence, “especially at a time when so many opposition figures are being prosecuted on baseless, politically motivated charges.”
Why is the Prosecutor General at PO? And with the Home Minister? This undermines confidence in the Prosecutor General’s independence, especially at a time when so many opposition figures are being prosecuted on baseless, politically motivated charges. pic.twitter.com/uoVAiNzGIp
— Dhiyana (@dhiyanasaid) March 23, 2018
The Prosecutor General’s Act states that the PG should not be under coercion or influence of any person or persons when performing his or her duties.
