Shareef rejects corruption claims against President Muizzu

Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef has rejected allegations of corruption against President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, saying he has first-hand knowledge of the events surrounding a previous court case involving the President.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Shareef responded to allegations made by former Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed at a recent event organised by the People's National Front (PNF).

Waheed alleged that Muizzu, while serving as Minister of Housing, avoided conviction in a criminal case by bribing judges.

The case related to allegations that Muizzu gave false testimony on behalf of the state during international arbitration proceedings initiated by Noomadi Resorts against the Maldivian government at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

The Criminal Court acquitted Muizzu in May 2023, ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove the perjury charges.

At the PNF event, Waheed claimed a lawyer had informed him that Muizzu paid MVR 800,000 to a judge to avoid conviction. He also said he was prepared to swear an oath in support of his allegation.

Responding to a question from Dhauru, Shareef rejected the claim and said he would also be willing to swear an oath.

"Let's go ahead and take that oath Hussain Waheed is talking about. I will gladly stand right next to Hussain Waheed. I was sitting right there when all of this took place," Shareef said, referring to his role as a minister at the President's Office at the time.

He said he knew from personal knowledge that President Muizzu had committed no wrongdoing.

"I say let's go do this oath. After that, the relevant state institutions can investigate the matter. Mohamed Muizzu is not a person who steals. I cannot speak for the character of Hussain Waheed," Shareef said.

Noomadi Resorts was contracted during the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed to develop housing projects across several atolls. The contract was later terminated while Muizzu was serving as Housing Minister after the government said the project had failed to progress according to the agreed schedule.

The dispute later proceeded to international arbitration, during which Muizzu provided a witness statement. During the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, prosecutors charged Muizzu with perjury, alleging that his testimony undermined the state's legal position. He was acquitted by the Criminal Court in May 2023.