MDP submits Mahloof case to IPU

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has filed case in Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), regarding jailed Member of Parliament for Galolhu South Constituency Ahmed Mahloof.

The case was filed to IPU signed by MDP PG Leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) and addressed to MP Saber Chowdhury, Chair of Human Rights Committee at IPU.

The letter filed raised serious concerns over the way MP Mahloof was treated by various institutions. As such, MDP noted that Mahloof’s appeal was stalled in High Court while Mahloof had been serving the six-month jail term. Additionally, the case noted that High Court had refused to issue a stay order on the Criminal Court verdict.

Ibu added that these acts lent credence to the fact that state institutions and judiciary were conspiring to delay the appeal until after Mahloof had served his sentence.

The letter added that Mahloof had been deprived from parole, as Correctional Services had not filed for parole in Parole Board.

The letter further adds that Mahloof’s spouse had requested for meetings with Home Minister and Human Rights Commission, all which had been denied. MDP had requested IPU to appeal the Government of Maldives, to initiate Mahloof’s transfer to house arrest. Even though, Mahloof will not lose his seat in the Parliament, he is not permitted to attend Parliament sessions.