High Court of the Maldives has overturned the order by the Criminal Court to seize the passport of former Vice President Abdulla Jihad.
The Criminal Court had ordered to seize Jihad’s passport to prevent him from fleeing the country after the state pressed charges of corruption against him over the lease of Fushi Dhiggaru, Kaafu Atoll for tourism development. The charges had been pressed at Criminal Court on October 25, 2020.
The Criminal Court had ordered to seize Jihad’s passport until the end of the trial. However, upon appeal of the decision, the High Court has overturned Criminal Court’s decision and ordered to release Jihad’s passport.
Jihad was charged for his role as the Minister of Finance in signing a joint venture agreement with Prime Capital Maldives Private Limited for the development of Fushi Dhiggaru as a Special Tourist Zone, granting 25% shares to the government. The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) noted this had violated the decision made by the cabinet in 2011 to sign a joint venture agreement for Fushi Dhiggaru with 50% shares for the government.
Furthermore, PGO noted the agreement signed with Prime Capital Maldives had deprived the state of the land rent for Fushi Dhiggaru, amounting to over USD 750,000. The PGO said the reduction of the government shares from 50% to 25% also meant the profits of the state decreased.
If Jihad is found guilty of the charges pressed against him, he will be sentenced to 5 years in prison.