High Court to hear Shamman's petition challenging pre-trial detention

The High Court has decided to hear a petition filed by former Immigration Controller Shamman Waheed, challenging a Criminal Court order that requires him to remain in custody until the conclusion of his trial.

Shamman was dismissed and arrested on 22nd of last month on allegations of bribery. Following his arrest, a 15-day remand order was issued by the Criminal Court. This initial remand decision was appealed to the High Court, but the case was not accepted by the Court’s registrar.

Shamman then submitted a request for the High Court bench to review the registrar’s decision. The bench, after reviewing the motion, unanimously agreed that there was a legal question that warranted a hearing.

The bench included:

The Criminal Court has since extended the remand order, requiring Shamman to remain in custody until the trial concludes.

Police have also arrested four other immigration officers in connection with the same investigation. According to police, the officers used their positions to search a residence occupied by foreigners and detained several individuals.

Police allege that MVR 530,000 was found in connection with the incident. It is further alleged that one foreign national was released the following night on Shamman’s instructions, and money was then collected from the individual and taken to Shamman’s residence.

Investigations are ongoing.