The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has appealed the decision of the High Court of the Maldives to release the passport of former Vice President Abdulla Jihad.
The Criminal Court had initially 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. However, upon appeal by the defendant, the High Court overturned the Criminal Court’s decision and ordered to release Jihad’s passport. PGO has now appealed the High Court decision at the Supreme Court of the Maldives.
Former Vice President 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. 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.
Abdulla Jihad had served as the third vice president of former President Abdulla Yameen’s government. Before his appointment as Vice President, Jihad had served as the Minister of Finance under former President Yameen as well as former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik.