Opposition calls for prosecutor general's resignation

The opposition has called for the resignation of Prosecutor General, Hussain Shameem.

While a complaint against the PG was submitted to the Bar Council by an unnamed individual, the opposition comprising of former ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) claimed that there is conflict of interest in the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) corruption case given that the current PG had represented some individuals involved in the case, at court.

Speaking at a press conference held on Monday night, PNC leader Abdul Raheem Abdulla expressed concern over the allegation against Shameem in the complaint submitted to the Bar Council, and called on the prosecutor general to resign.

If not, Raheem said that Shameem must be dismissed from the post.

He further called the Bar Council to expedite the investigation into the Shameem, and alleged that the government plans to abolish the council “depending on the investigation report’.

PG Shameem has denied that there is a conflict of interest in the MMPRC embezzlement investigation, and stressed that he had recused himself from the case upon appointment as prosecutor general.

The complaint submitted to the Bar Council makes various accusations against Shameem, including being aware of money being laundered through MMPRC.

The MMPRC corruption scandal is the largest corruption case recorded in Maldivian history. According to the incumbent administration, over MVR 3.3 billion acquired via the leasing of islands and lagoons for tourism purposes was embezzled through MMPRC, by the previous administration.

While there has been public concern over the delay in the investigation, search and seizure operations were held in four locations in the capital earlier this month, in relation to the case.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also established the commission on corruption and asset recovery, to recuperate the lost asset of the state from 1st January 2012 till 17th November 2018 and to ensure that all responsible authorities’ carryout their legal duties in investigating the corruption and abuse of power within institutions.

While the president announced the decision to appoint Shameem as prosecutor general in December 2018, the People's Majlis approved his appointment a few days later. 74 lawmakers had voted in favour of his appointment.