Central Maafannu MP denies Fuggiri deal participation

Central Maafannu MP Ibrahim Rasheed (Bondey) has denied his involvement in the lease of Raa atoll Fuggiri.

Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb recently claimed during his case hearing that MP Rasheed was involved in discussions between former President Abdulla Yameen's associates and a foreign party regarding the lease of Fuggiri.

However, MP Rasheed has denied Adeeb's allegation and has requested the Parliament to refer the case to the Maldives Police Service for investigation.

In a letter addressed to the parliament, MP Rasheed accused Adeeb of perjury and stated that the baseless allegations made by the former Vice President have severely tarnished his reputation.

"In light of the ongoing suspension of the parliament's committee duties, I request that this case be referred to the Maldives Police Service for investigation," MP Rasheed said.

During Monday's hearing, Yameen's defense team raised the issue of Rasheed's involvement by questioning the former Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Abdulla Ziyath. The defense questioned Ziyath if he had ever communicated with a person named Ibrahim Rasheed regarding the Fuggiri case. Ziyath however, denied having any communication with someone by that name, prompting the defense to clarify that they were referring to the MP.

Despite repeated questioning, Ziyath who has been sentenced to 20 yearsin prison for his involvement in the MMPRC scandal, maintained that he only communicated with Ahmed "Krik" Riza regarding the lease of the island.

In addition to Yameen's defense, former President Abdulla Yameen himself asked Ziyath whether MMPRC had communicated with Ibrahim Rasheed.

During Adeeb's hearing on Monday, the former Vice President claimed that he was instructed by Yameen to sell Fuggiri at a price of USD 2.5 million to a group from India who were expected to visit the Maldives. Adeeb further testified that during his meeting with this group, he was accompanied by Central Maafannu MP Ibrahim Rasheed.

The defense's line of questioning aimed to establish Rasheed's involvement in obtaining funds from Classic City Holding for the lease of Fuggiri.