Transparency concerned over prosecution of opposition leaders

Transparency Maldives has expressed its concern that state institutions have been working actively to ‘curtail the fundamental rights’ of parties in opposition of the government.

In a statement on Thursday night, following the arrest of Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim, Transparency Maldives essentially asks the government to reform its tactics in dealing with opposition ideology, which has become a ‘dangerous’ position to hold.

“Transparency Maldives urges the government to find an amicable solution to the current political impasse and to work sincerely to ensure that the upcoming presidential elections is free fair and competitive…to work with sincerity to bring back the country to the path of democracy” the statement reads.

It further said that the charges against opposition leaders, and by virtue of them being either imprisoned or in exile is proof of ‘authoritarian’ policies becoming prevalent.

TM calls on the Government to immediately cease intimidation of opposition political leaders and allow space for political dissent. pic.twitter.com/je3T6NaNiS
— Transparency MV (@TransparencyMV) April 6, 2017

While the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) earlier this week refuted allegations that it has been biased in its conduct against opposition leaders, after it freezed accounts belonging to the Villa Group – founded and operated by Qasim Ibrahim, Transparency’s statement says the measures placed ‘disturbingly’ coincide with falling out with the government.

The police apprehend the JP leader on Thursday with a court order issued based on an intelligence report they developed themselves.

Ibrahim, also the Maamigillil constituency MP, had attempted to bribe lawmakers in order to win the no-confidence vote against parliament speaker Abdulla Maseeh, held on March 27 and an upcoming vote against his deputy.

It also stated that Qasim has been attempting to influence the security forces as well, and thus presents a threat to public safety.

Hours before the arrest, the Prosecutor General’s Office refused to try the case on the grounds that it was one more appropriate for the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The opposition had earlier released a statement condemning the government’s ‘wave of harassment’ after the vote against Maseeh.