Investigation on Solih Driven by Political Motives, Says MDP 

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused the government of attempting to conduct a criminal investigation into former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih with the aim of political intimidation.

This follows the approval by Parliament of a recommendation to the Prosecutor General to investigate Solih in connection with payments made by the settlement committee established during his administration to various parties. The recommendation was passed on Thursday.

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At a press conference, Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo), MP for Hanimaadhoo, stated that the current government’s investigation into Solih and members of his administration appears politically motivated. Ghafoor stressed that the President is constitutionally responsible for protecting citizens’ rights, which includes establishing committees to implement these rights.

“The settlement committee was formed by President Solih in accordance with these constitutional rights, and the Attorney General was included in the committee,” Ghafoor explained. “Every decision made by the committee was approved by the Cabinet and taken based on the advice of the Attorney General.”

Ghafoor went on to assert that the investigation is an act of intimidation. “What the government is doing now is intimidation because they’re out of options,” he added.

In addition to Solih, the Public Accounts Committee has approved a criminal investigation into former Economic Minister and MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail and former President’s Office Minister Ali Shiyam. The committee’s focus on Ali Shiyam relates to his role as co-chair of the Economic Council during Solih’s presidency, with the council overseeing the settlement agreements under scrutiny.

The committee has further ruled that the settlement agreements signed between 2019 and 2023—arising under out-of-court dispute resolution regulations and government-private agreements—are invalid. Consequently, a directive will be issued to the Attorney General’s Office and other relevant government bodies to recover all funds and assets distributed under these agreements.

Moreover, the committee has instructed investigations into whether any compensation payments were made under the Public Finance Act or its related regulations. Should such payments be found, they are to be returned to state coffers.

During the Parliamentary committee meeting, MP Mamdhooh alleged that between 2018 and 2023, compensation amounting to USD two billion was paid to various parties across 36 islands and six lagoons. Additionally, MVR 61.2 million was reportedly set to be paid to a company called Dheebaja and another entity; however, this transaction was blocked by the Attorney General’s Office.

These developments underscore growing tensions within the Maldivian political landscape as investigations into these financial matters proceed. The government maintains that its actions are necessary to ensure transparency and accountability, while the MDP continues to criticise the investigation as politically charged.