Case regarding disqualification of MPs Azim and Nashiz tabled for tomorrow

The case against Alifushi MP Mohamed Nashiz and Medhu-Henveiru MP Ali Azim filed to Supreme Court, requesting to declare that they have been disqualified as MPs and lost their parliament seats, has been scheduled for tomorrow.

The hearing will take place at 2:30 p.m. in Supreme Court.

Lawyer representing Azim and Nashiz in court, Husnu Al Suood tweeted today, “A year after the conclusion of hearings of MP Nashiz and MP Azim dis qualification case, their fate to be decided by supreme court 2morow.”

The case against Azim and Nashiz was filed by member of Jumhooree Party legal team, Mohamed Haleem, Alpaso, Velidhoo.

Qualification status as MPs of Azim and Nashiz was brought into question following non-repayment of the loans taken from Bank of Maldives (BML) by Funaddoo Tuna Products. Civil Court ordered to repay the loans worth MVR 117 million on 7 February 2010, an order which was supported by High Court. However the loans have thus far not been paid.

Consequently, Civil Court ruled last November that BML can liquidate the assets that were mortgaged to obtain this loan.

Article 73 (c) (1) of the Constitution states that an MP immediately becomes disqualified if he has a decreed debt which is not being paid as provided in the judgement, and Article 74 states that any question concerning the qualifications or removal, or vacating of seats of an MP shall be determined by the Supreme Court.

Former Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Mustafa also lost his parliament seat when he was found guilty of an unpaid, decreed debt.