Yameen says PG can't initiate cases on president's private life

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said on Sunday night that the state should not be involved in pursuing legal action over allegations concerning President Mohamed Muizzu in what he described as a private matter.

Yameen made the remarks during a rally organised by the People's National Front (PNF).

The comments follow the filing of Qazaf-related criminal charges by the Prosecutor General's Office against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Hassan Mohamed over the documentary “Aishia”, produced by Adhadhu.

The charges were submitted to the Criminal Court following a police investigation.

During the investigation, both Fiyaz and Hassan exercised their right to remain silent.

According to statements made by lawyers involved in the case, the woman connected to the allegations had sought to provide information to investigators but was allegedly not permitted to give a statement in her defence.

Speaking at the rally, Yameen criticised the actions of the police, the Prosecutor General’s Office and the court.

He argued that matters relating to the personal conduct of an individual should not be treated as issues involving the state.

“Actions taken in the capacity of the President are performed by Mohamed Muizzu. However, his private affairs are the actions of Mohamed Muizzu of Dhimyath,” Yameen said.

“The allegations in question concern his private affairs. The state’s Prosecutor General cannot approach a court regarding such a private allegation; that is a personal lawsuit for Muizzu to pursue.”

Yameen also questioned the basis of the Qazaf charges, arguing that the alleged offence had not been sufficiently established during the police investigation.

He further claimed that an investigation which did not allow the woman involved to present a defence could not be regarded as complete.

Following submission of the charges, the Criminal Court issued an injunction prohibiting circulation of the “Aishia” documentary until the conclusion of the case.

The court also prohibited direct or indirect discussion of matters linked to the documentary and ordered proceedings to be held behind closed doors.

Criticising the order, Yameen said restrictions had been imposed before the alleged offence was proven in court.

“There must be more substance to the actions of judges. When judgments are issued without merit, they become subject to public scrutiny,” he said.

Yameen also criticised restrictions placed on discussion of the case and referred to the President’s recent response to journalists during a press conference at the President’s Office.

He alleged that journalists were now facing consequences for discussing matters that had previously been openly debated in public.