Jumhoory Party leader Qasim Ibrahim shakes hands with supporters after an interrogation at Police headquarters. PHOTO: HUSSAIN WAHEED/MIHAARU
Maldives Police Service on Wednesday interrogated Jumhoory Party’s leader Qasim Ibrahim over allegedly attempting to influence the armed forces and judiciary of the Maldives.
After a two-hour interrogation at Police headquarters at 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, the lawmaker of Maamigili constituency told reporters that the accusations against him were in connection to some comments he had made during an opposition rally at Jumhoory Party’s main hub on April 5.
“They took issue with some of my statements, such as my saying that if I’m influencing judges, soldiers and police officers, then only they would know the truth of it,” said Qasim.
The lawmaker reiterated that he would remain steadfast in his efforts on behalf of the people, insisting that he is not working against any certain group.
Lawyer Hisaan Hussain of Qasim’s legal team stated that Police accused Qasim of two criminal offences, one of attempting to influence the police, military and judges, and the other of working to overturn a lawfully elected administration under Subject 610 of the Penal Code. She said that her client had fully countered and responded to both allegations.
Hisaan added that Police did not question Qasim further regarding the accusations that had warranted police raids on his residence and company building earlier this week. She said that it seems, thus, that Police have dropped those accusations.
Meanwhile, the state has pressed three charges against Qasim for attempted bribery, coercion with regards to official duties and undue influence on voters. His trial at the Criminal Court is currently ongoing.