Monday
18th Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Abdul Raheem the interim leader of the opposition. Photo: PPM
Criminal Court has scheduled the first hearing of the case filed against the interim head of the Progressive Coalition and President of People’s National Congress (PNC), Abdul Raheem Abdullah.
The case has been filed for 31st of this month. Abdul Raheem has been accused of using profanity. The case is a first in the judicial history of the country.
The case in question involved the statements made regarding the five Judges by Abdul Raheem outside of Criminal Court, on the day Criminal Court sentenced former President Abdullah Yameen on charges of money laundering.
Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) filed the case in Maldives Police Service (MPS). Following the investigation, Prosecutor General had filed for prosecution.
Abdu Raheem is being charged on use of profanity under clause 615 (a) (3) and (c) of the Penal Code.
Speaking to The Maldives Journal, a lawyer stated that PG Office’s decision to proceed ahead with prosecution was a concerning move. The lawyer cited that this was the first ever case filed against Abdu Raheem and he had not been cautioned. Moreover, the lawyers added that no statement had been sought out from the defendant prior to proceeding ahead with the case.
The opposition parties allege that this was a move to silence the opposition, in light of the inability of the present Government to govern.