The Parliament’s Judiciary Committee has approved the removal of Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem from his position. During a closed-door session, Shameem was given the opportunity to defend himself against the no-confidence motion filed against him.
The motion for Shameem’s dismissal was brought to the Parliament by MP Mohamed Shahid. Shameem has faced criticism for his role in handling various high-profile cases, including the sexual assault charges against former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed and the case involving former Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof. He has also been accused of failing to appeal the alleged rape case of a foreign national aboard a safari, reportedly due to connections with a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party. Additionally, Shameem is under scrutiny for withdrawing human trafficking charges against former MP Ali Riza, as well as several cases related to same-sex relationships and 77 alcohol-related cases. Critics have also pointed to his decision not to prosecute those involved in the ventilator case and allegations of discrimination against staff at the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Hussain Shameem was appointed as Prosecutor General in December 2019, with his term originally set to end this December.
