In a parliamentary session last night, Maldives’ Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem was removed from office following a debate and a subsequent vote. The decision to dismiss Shameem saw 65 members of Parliament voting in favor, with 9 members opposing the move.
The motion to remove Shameem was brought forward by Addu Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid and was subsequently reviewed by the Judiciary Committee of Parliament. During the proceedings, Shameem was given the opportunity to respond to the allegations against him before the committee ultimately recommended his dismissal.
Several key issues were cited as reasons for Shameem’s removal. These included his decision to file sexual offense charges against former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, as well as his handling of the case involving former Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof, which allowed Mahloof to remain in office.
Additionally, Shameem faced criticism for his failure to appeal the case involving the alleged rape of a foreigner on a safari, and for withdrawing human trafficking charges against former MP Ali Riza. His dismissal was also linked to his controversial decision to withdraw 77 alcohol-related cases and homosexuality cases, as well as his choice not to prosecute the high-profile ventilator corruption case. Furthermore, allegations of discrimination against employees within the Prosecutor General’s Office were mentioned as part of the grounds for his dismissal.
