Prosecution Appeals Release of Judge Faiz’s Drug Case Suspect

The Prosecutor General’s Office has appealed a decision by suspended Criminal Court Judge Hussain Faiz Rashad to release an alleged drug lord, Ali Anwar Mohamed, who was arrested in one of the Maldives’ largest drug trafficking cases.

Ali Anwar, 35, from Cozy Corner in S. Hithadhoo, was detained in 2019 in connection with the smuggling of 70 kilograms of drugs into the country aboard the Iranian vessel Al-Shaban. The vessel was intercepted 172 nautical miles northwest of Thuraakunu, resulting in the arrest of five Maldivians, six Iranians, and two Bangladeshis. Police identified Ali Anwar as one of three main suspects, along with Ahmed Shakeeb and Mohamed Rishfan.

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Judge Faiz ordered Ali Anwar’s release after his initial five-day remand expired, remanding him without any conditions. Following his release, Ali Anwar reportedly fled to Sri Lanka, where he was later arrested after being denied entry.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has since suspended Judge Faiz, citing multiple complaints against him, including the controversial release of Ali Anwar. The JSC has not issued a public statement regarding the matter.

According to the High Court registry, the prosecution filed an appeal earlier this week. Judge Faiz had reportedly justified the release by citing procedural irregularities in the police investigation, including the execution of a search warrant after the arrest, and the lack of evidence recovered during the search.

Ali Anwar’s case is one of several major drug trafficking cases that have recently been withdrawn or dismissed. These include a 61-kilogram case withdrawn at the prosecution’s request and a 72-kilogram case that was initially dismissed due to non-payment of the appeal fee before later being reinstated.