The Criminal Court on Friday remanded the leader of Jumhoory Party (JP) and famous local tycoon Qasim Ibrahim, who was arrested late Thursday over attempting to bribe lawmakers in relation to the no confidence motion againt the parliament speaker and working to illicitly overturn the government of the Maldives.
According to a tweet posted by a member of Qasim’s legal team, Hisaan Hussain, a six-day period has been granted to prosecutors to produce evidence against Qasim. The judge has also ordered Maldives Police Service to hold Qasim in a place with good ventilation.
Qasim was brought to court at around 4 p.m. on Friday and was taken back to Dhoonidhoo Detention Centre in Kaafu atoll Dhoonidhoo island after his remand trial directly.
In relation to the remand trial, Police tightened the security of the Criminal Court as well as the Presidential Palace. Protesters were obstructed with police barricades.
Several opposition top officials including lawmaker of Dhiggaru constituency Faaris Maumoon and his sister Yumna Maumoon were present at the protest along with jailed Former Defence Minister Nazim’s brother Ahmed Azim.
Police used pepper spray to move back the protesters as well as journalists who were gathered on the roads.
The accusations against Qasim Ibrahim listed in the court order include:
Bribery attempt to turn the parliament’s vote of no confidence against the speaker in Qasim’s favour.
Working to influence the motion of no confidence currently being sought against the deputy parliamentary speaker.
Attempting to influence the armed forces of the nation.
Working to illicitly overturn the lawfully elected government of the Maldives.
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