Closed Parliamentary Hearing Held on No-Confidence Motion Against PG Shameem

Parliament conducted a closed-door hearing today after Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem was summoned to respond to a no-confidence motion brought against him. 

The hearing was organised by the Judiciary Committee despite a request by Shameem for the meeting to be livestreamed.

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The no-confidence motion was submitted by Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid, a senior member of the main ruling People’s National Congress. The motion included eight primary accusations against Shameem. These accusations were based on his decisions in several high-profile cases and his refusal to challenge specific court rulings.

Ahead of the hearing, the Prosecutor General’s Office issued a statement confirming that Shameem had requested the meeting be opened to the public. The Prosecutor General asked for the meeting not to be held in secrecy but instead to be made public. 

However, the committee chose to hold a closed hearing following a proposal by Thulusdhoo MP Ibrahim Naseem. Naseem argued that the allegations against Shameem involved private matters of other individuals and therefore warranted a closed session. His proposal was seconded by North Feydhoo MP Ismail Nizar and passed by the committee members.

The letter submitted by Shahid outlined eight key reasons for Shameem’s dismissal. These included the filing of sexual assault charges against former tourism minister Ali Waheed. It also mentioned the corruption case against former sports minister Ahmed Mahloof. Another reason cited was Shameem’s decision not to appeal the lower court’s dismissal of a 2020 rape case, referred to as the “safari rape case.” 

The letter also highlighted the dismissal of human trafficking charges against former MP Ali Riza and the dropping of charges in 77 alcohol consumption cases. Additionally, the letter referred to Shameem’s decision to drop charges in 13 same-sex relations cases and his refusal to investigate allegations against Ahmed Shafeeu, who served as the chief spokesperson of the Prosecutor General’s Office. 

The allegations against Shafeeu included same-sex relations, drug abuse, and the mockery of Prophet Muhammad. Lastly, the motion mentioned Shameem’s decision not to pursue charges related to the ventilator corruption case.

The no-confidence motion was submitted following a protest that took place outside Parliament on the 1st of July. During the protest, a group of demonstrators called for Shameem’s resignation, criticising his failure to abolish indefinite detentions.