Association Calls for PGO Accountability Amid Controversial Cases

The Association for Democracy in the Maldives (ADM) has urged the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) to uphold accountability amidst growing concerns over the handling of several high-profile cases. 

Following a meticulous review of 16 cases sourced from media reports, the association has raised questions about the release of individuals accused of serious crimes without completing due judicial processes.

Among the scrutinized cases, the PGO notably chose not to contest the dismissal of charges against five individuals linked to the seizure of 149 kilograms of drugs in 2019. Additionally, two suspects implicated in an alleged rape case were granted bail, drawing further attention to the PGO’s decision-making process.

In a separate incident relating to the attempted assassination of former President and Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, a suspect accused of aiding the assailants’ escape, Ahmed Fathih, will not face prosecution according to the prosecutor’s office.

Furthermore, concerns were raised over the release of a suspect involved in the sexual assault of a student in Galolhu, with a 63-year-old woman arrested in connection with the case. Similarly, individuals tied to significant drug seizures and allegations of corruption have been released or had charges dropped, prompting calls for transparency and accountability within the justice system.

Decisions by the PGO include retracting a corruption case against Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof and withdrawing sexual assault charges against former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed due to purported lack of evidence. However, such actions have sparked criticism both domestically and internationally, with the US government expressing concern over the withdrawal of human trafficking charges against MDP MP Ali Riza.

Additionally, the decision not to appeal against the dismissal of charges in the high-profile murders of journalist Ahmed Rilwan and blogger Yameen Rasheed, as well as the quashing of convictions in cases of alleged child sexual assault, have raised eyebrows and fueled demands for judicial accountability.

Amidst mounting public scrutiny, the ADM’s call for the Prosecutor General’s accountability underscores the need for transparency and adherence to due process in safeguarding justice within the Maldives.