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Graft watchdog summons lawmaker over alleged abuse of power

Aishath Mihna Nasih
02 July 2017, MVT 15:44
MP Saud (L) with former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Aishath Mihna Nasih
02 July 2017, MVT 15:44

Former member of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the lawmaker of Villingilli constituency, Saud Hussain, has been summoned to the Anti-Corruption Commission of the Maldives (ACC) over abuse of power while he served as a Villingilli Councillor.

MP Saud has denied ACC's accusations that he misused his power while leasing houses during his tenure on the council.

Saud was summoned to ACC two weeks ago in the same case.

The lawmaker was ousted from PPM last April for criticizing the government. Since then, he has backed the ousted former leader of PPM, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, while also taking part in opposition activities.

In a tweet, he sarcastically said that his summons is the third episode in the second season of political accusations.

Noting that he will remain hopeful and strong, Saud predicted that more allegations will be pressed against him in the future as well.

Saud has been interrogated twice by Maldives Police Service for allegedly plotting an assassination attempt on High Court Judge Sujau Usman. He was last summoned to Police Headquarters the previous week.

The lawmaker claims that he has also been accused of attempting to jail a High Court judge for a long period of time.

Saud criticized the ACC saying that independent institutions should represent the country and its citizens, and not only the government. While he voiced doubts over the independence of ACC, he added that independent institutions have lost the trust of citizens due to their actions.

“The individuals who have confessed to stealing billions from state funds and bribing others with them are still free,” he added.

He called on the institutions to serve the people and escape political influence.

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