President: Bogus court order for my arrest made in relation to MMPRC corruption case

President Abdulla Yameen has said that the bogus court order made to arrest him was in relation to the huge Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption case.

Speaking during N. Kudafaree Harbor inauguration ceremony on Monday, President Yameen said that he had received a copy of the bogus court order for his arrest. And that the court order had read that his arrest had been authorized in relation to MMPRC corruption case under investigation by police.

“…After writing the name of an officer who is involved in the investigation, it says that police wanted a court order for President Yameen’s arrest,” he said.

Judge Ahmed Nihan from G. A. Maamendhoo – who works at A. Dh. Maamingili Magistrate Court - is under police custody, while former Prosecutor General Muhuthaz Muhsin – who was also arrested as part of the investigation into the case – was released by Criminal Court during his remand hearing.

State prosecutors have appealed the decision by court to release him.

President Yameen said that the word of the person against whom a court order is being issued was needed when such a decision was made. And that he had been fast asleep when the court order had been issued. And had no idea something like that had taken place.

“The most basic right provided through Constitution when a court order is issued against an individual is for the individual to be provided the opportunity to respond to the allegation. The court order was issued while I was fast asleep. Where is my word in this? I didn’t even know,” said President Yameen.

“Plays at ruling the country are made through such feeble attempts. Why don’t we rise above this? We do not need to make such covert, cowardly attempts.”

President Yameen said that such a court order being issued had shaken up people’s faith in the justice system. And that individuals behind preparing the court order which put police in bad light would be dealt with.