Prosecutor General Office (PGO) has stated it will reconsider its decision not to press charges against those accused of corruption in relation to the procurement of ventilators by the Ministry of Health.
In a press release on March 29, PGO stated it will address the concerns voiced by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the public. PGO stated it will review the case for a third time to find any avenues for prosecution. PGO also denied accusations it had neglected to respond to a letter sent by the ACC.
The decision of the PGO comes after members of ACC reiterated the case has prosecutable evidence. At a press conference on March 28, ACC said it had conducted the investigation in a fair and transparent manner and has repeatedly told authorities there was evidence implicating state officials in gaining undue benefits while procuring ventilators.
President of the ACC Mariyam Shiuna said state officials had backdated the agreement to procure ventilators from Dubai-based Executors General Trading, noting only a few ventilators have actually been brought to the Maldives. Shiuna said she disagrees with the decision of the PGO not to press charges, adding ACC had questioned all necessary officials involved in the case in a fair and transparent manner.
Also at the press conference, Vice President of the ACC Fathmath Anoola said the case involves state officials abusing their positions to gain undue advantage, which violates the Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption Act and Article 513 of the Penal Code.
ACC said the case to prosecute 11 health ministry officials was submitted on October 14, last year, but PGO rejected the case via its online portal on October 19, citing lack of evidence and noting six objections. ACC said it had re-submitted the case for review a second time on October 25 with counter-arguments to the objections, adding PGO had not responded to the letter.