Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has informed Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim that if he wishes to obtain a travel document, then he must liaise with Maldives Police Service (MPS).
Speaking to RaajjeMV, MCS media official said a letter was submitted to the agency requesting for a travel document earlier this month. The official added they issued these instructions as MP Qasim had failed to abide by the deadline given to return back after completing medical treatment.
Additionally, the official said they had informed relevant authorities, including MPS, that MP Qasim was a fugitive. Therefore, all arrangements relating to return back to the Maldives must be arranged with Police.
MPS reported they had initiated procedures on bringing back fugitives on MP Qasim but had not revealed additional details.
Criminal Court had, on August 24, sentenced the opposition leader to three years, two months and 12 days in prison, after finding him guilty of bribery. He was sentenced in absentia and was unable to attend court due to having been hospitalized at the time.
The charges were put forth under Section 510 of the Penal Code – on 'bribery and official misconduct' – claiming that he had attempted to influence the authority of a public official.
Qasim was granted medical leave on September 6th for treatment in Singapore. The 10-day leave was extended by another 10 days on September 10th. An additional five days was granted on 26th September.
