Jumhoory Party leader questioned over bribery allegations

Jumhoory Party (JP)’s leader Qasim Ibrahim proclaimed that Maldives Police Service accused him of bribing parliament members.

Qasim told the press after being summoned to Police headquarters on Wednesday night that he was interrogated regarding his earlier public promise of additional allowances to all lawmakers that voted in favour of the no confidence motion against Parliament Speaker Abdulla Maseeh.

Speaking at the rally held by the joint opposition coalition last Sunday, Qasim had urged lawmakers to vote against Speaker Maseeh, promising to provide electoral tickets and back the four opposition parties to enable their lawmakers to run for another term. According to Qasim, these parties include Jumhoory Party, religiously conservative Adhaalath Party, main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and lawmakers of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) that vote against Maseeh.

Qasim remarked that as he was referring to the lawmakers of these allied parties, his statement can be interpreted in various ways.

“All of these are happening because some people aren’t able to digest political events. We have heard the hot water warnings and bitter comments as well. We aren’t going after those. This is just a political game and that’s it,” said Qasim.

Appreciating the friendly environment in which he was interrogated, Qasim said that the accusations were filed by an unknown individual. He added that he has signed the investigation report as well.

Qasim also responded to claims that this investigation was meant to threaten him, declaring that all politicians would know by now that nothing would scare him off. He assured that any such events would not hinder the works of the opposition.

On a sarcastic note, Qasim added that politicians are sometimes hit by "these kinds of waves" and it is not that big of a deal.

Member of Qasim’s legal team, lawmaker of Thulusdhoo constituency Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim said the investigation regarding the accusation has been completed and that Police have assured that Qasim would not be summoned to headquarters over it again.

Qasim praised the hard work of Maldives Police Service as he wished them on their anniversary.

Top officials of the opposition had joined Qasim when he presented himself at Police headquarters.