PG resubmits High Court appeal over ex-VP Jihad
PG filed an appeal against the Criminal Court’s decision to dismiss fraud charges against Jihad.
Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has filed an appeal against the Criminal Court's decision to dismiss the charges against former Vice President Abdulla Jihad in leasing of Fushidhiggaru lagoon case.
PGO spokesperson Ahmed Shafeeu told Atoll Times on Wednesday that the office had filed an appeal with the High Court on Tuesday.
“The appeal was filed again with the information now that Jihad is in Maldives,” Shafeeu said.
PG filed an appeal against the Criminal Court’s decision to dismiss fraud charges against Jihad. The Criminal Court had initially dropped the case, citing difficulties in summoning the former vice president.
The High Court recently directed the Prosecutor General’s Office to clarify Jihad’s address within 15 days, to determine whether the case could proceed. Following this, the PG’s office requested an extension of seven days to continue the remand process, but that deadline has now passed without resolution.
Jihad was recently seen at a government event.
The charges against Jihad are connected to his role in the government’s joint venture agreement to develop the Fushidhiggaru area as a special tourist zone. Jihad was accused of approving a deal where the state held only 25% ownership, contrary to a cabinet decision for a 50% stake. The agreement was signed with Prime Capital Maldives Limited.
The Criminal Court dismissed the charges on July 25, ruling that the allegations were flawed and could not proceed to trial. The PG’s office appealed the decision to the High Court on September 29, with the latest hearing held on October 11.
The case originally emerged under the leadership of former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem.
However, the new Prosecutor General, Abbas Shareef, has promised a review of previous prosecutorial decisions, including Jihad’s case. Shareef has announced plans to establish a committee to evaluate complaints against earlier charges.
Jihad continues to serve as Chairman of the Development Bank of the Maldives and the Maldives International Financial Services Authority.
