Former Vice President Jihad denied permission to travel abroad for medical treatment

The Criminal Court has denied former Vice President Abdulla Jihad’s request to travel to Dubai for medical treatment.

Jihad is being charged over acting in a manner that precludes the public or state from attaining advantage of anything the public or state could have benefited from, or to act in a manner that diminishes the benefits that could have been attained while employed by the state. Jihad is being charged due to decisions he took while he was serving as the finance minister of President Waheed’s administration. He faces a five-year prison term if found guilty.

Criminal Court held a hearing on Thursday to decide on Jihad’s motion requesting permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Speaking at the hearing, Jihad’s lawyer Hassan Falah stated that Jihad suffers from various medical conditions and noted that Jihad had already acquired a ticket to travel to Dubai to seek treatment. Falah also noted that Jihad’s conditions require regular treatment. He also stated that Jihad suffers from diabetes, insomnia, and frequent urination.

Falah highlighted that Jihad is a state dignitary who has served the nation for over 35 years as the Vice President, Minister of Finance, and Governor of Maldives Monetary Authority. He also stated that 2 of Jihad’s children are residing in Dubai for education and noted that one of the children is sick and that Jihad has not been able to visit either of them in a long time.

Speaking at the hearing the state attorneys contested Jihad’s request to travel abroad citing that he was charged with a serious criminal offense. The state also noted that he may attempt to flee if permission to travel abroad is granted since he faces the prospects of serving a 5-year prison sentence if found guilty. According to state attorneys if Jihad flees while in Dubai Maldivian authorities will be unable to apprehend him as there is no extradition treaty between Maldives and Dubai.

State attorneys also argued that Jihad’s conditions can be treated in the Maldives and therefore there is no reason to grant him permission to travel abroad. The state noted that Jihad will have the chance to flee with the assistance of overseas contacts made during his tenure working for the state.

Speaking at the hearing Jihad stated that he wishes to travel to Dubai at this time since it coincides with his children’s holidays. He also noted that caring for one’s offspring is a duty prescribed by Islam.

Furthermore, he stated that he has been getting medical treatment abroad for various conditions since 2003. He stated that he suffers from a condition that blocks his airway due to abnormal mucus secretions and that he has to undergo a pulmonary test.

Jihad reiterated that he will not flee and further stated that he is willing to vow that he will not flee by placing his hands on the Quran during the hearing. Jihad also assured the judge that he will return to the Maldives on 11th January 2021.

The presiding judge provided the state opportunity to change its stand regarding the motion. However, the state refused the offer and noted that the state’s stand will not change. Hence, the judge decided that the court cannot grant permission for Jihad to travel abroad since there is a risk of him fleeing if the permission is granted.

The judge also ordered Jihad’s passport to be confiscated until 20th January 2021.