Shakeel's HC appointment is cruel act towards Yameen: PPM

Opposition coalition on Monday expressed concern over the Judicial Service Commission's (JSC) decision to appoint Criminal Court Chief Judge Ahmed Shakeel, who had convicted former President Abdulla Yameen over MMPRC corruption scandal, as an act of cruelty to Yameen and his family.

In December, Judge Shakeel sentenced Yameen to 11 years in prison for accepting bribes and laundering money from the proceeds of the transaction. The verdict has now been challenged in the High Court on behalf of Yameen.

Soon after the JSC announced its decision to transfer Shakeel to the High Court, the opposition alliance issued a statement expressing concern over the move. The coalition described Shakeel's transfer to the high court as an act of oppression against Yameen.

"While President Yameen's side has challenged the criminal court's verdict in the High Court, it is also believed that the promotion of the judge who has been convicted by the lower court is an attempt to encourage the government to influence the judiciary secretly and openly and to make the judgments they want. It can also be seen as an act of bribery," the opposition said.

According to the opposition, many Maldivians believe that Yameen was convicted under the influence of the government and that the judge was presented many benefits and job advancements, outside his own volition. The statement also pointed out that the coalition had already said that it was "promoting" Shakeel instead of sentencing Yameen.

The opposition's statement also said: