Qasim’s remand extended in violation of Privileges Act: Hisaan

Lawyer Hisaaan Hussain says her client Qasim Ibrahim’s arrest was carried out without completing the procedures listed under the Privileges Act.

The charges against Qasim, who also serves as the Maamigillil constituency Parliament stated that he had attempted to bribe lawmakers in order to win the no-confidence vote against parliament speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed, held on March 27, and is attempting to influence the no-confidence motion against the deputy speaker, which was scheduled for April 11. It also stated that Qasim has been attempting to influence the security forces as well.

Speaking after today’s hearing, Hisaan said that it was Police who had requested to extend his remand, following his arrest on the 20th of April. The case was filed in High Court for appeal; Hisaan noted that this has been put forward in the appeal.

The Privileges Act notes that the Parliamentarian can only be arrested red-handed from a crime scene. Under other circumstances, the Parliamentarian’s arrest must be sanctioned by the Prosecutor General.

Hisaan added that Qasim’s arrest was carried out without completing the procedural steps. She said that even if remand was extended, it must be carried out without violating the Privileges Act.

In a statement released following his arrest, Qasim’s Party Jumhooree Party claimed that Qasim was arrested on false charges. His phone was confiscated prior to this arrest.