High Court orders Jihad's graft trial
Jihad currently serves as Chairman of the Maldives Development Bank and the Maldives International Financial Services Authority.
High Court on Monday ordered the resumption of former Vice President Abdulla Jihad's trial in the Criminal Court over the lease of K. Fushidhiggaru lagoon, which allegedly caused damages to the state.
Jihad currently serves as Chairman of the Maldives Development Bank and the Maldives International Financial Services Authority.
The Criminal Court had previously dismissed the case on grounds that the charges against Jihad did not meet the standards required for prosecution. Its reasoning included:
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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had investigated the case, but the basis for the investigation was unclear.
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New evidence consisted of a statement by former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb provided during an investigation in July 2022, but the prosecution could not substantiate the truth of Adeeb’s allegations.
The Prosecutor General’s Office appealed the dismissal to the High Court. The High Court ruled that the Criminal Court’s decision was erroneous, stating:
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The statement provided by Adeeb to the police should not render the investigation invalid.
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The Prosecutor General has the authority to order the resumption of an investigation.
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The Presidential Commission investigating such cases is established by law.
Jihad faces charges related to actions taken during his tenure as finance minister under former President Mohamed Waheed’s administration. The charges include:
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Signing a joint venture agreement with a 25% government stake, contrary to the cabinet’s decision for a 50% government stake to develop the forest as a special tourist zone.
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Approving the joint venture agreement between the government and Prime Capital Maldives Limited.
