Supreme Court of the Maldives has upheld the High Court ruling 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 he was charged with corruption. However, upon appeal by the defendant, the High Court overturned the Criminal Court’s decision and ordered to release Jihad’s passport.
The decision was endorsed by the Supreme Court, following the appeal by the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO). The Supreme Court ruled that there was no valid reason to seize Jihad’s passport, as there is no clear incentive for him to flee the country.
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. 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.