PNC deputy leader Shujau brought in for questioning, fined MVR 1,000

PNC deputy leader, former Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau was brought in by the police for questioning on Sunday, and fined MVR 1,000.

Shujau was served summons to present himself for questioning at 07:00 pm this Sunday.

Shujau, along with several other opposition politicians who attended a rally held by the opposition PPM-PNC coalition in Male' City on Friday, have come under fire for failing to adhere to an order by Health Protection Agency (HPA) which requires for masks to be worn at all times in public locations in Male’ City, along with orders regarding social distancing and public gatherings.

Speaking to press after exiting the police headquarters, Shujau alleged that the action against opposition politicians had nothing to do with failure to wear a mask, but that they had no choice but to get fined.

Shujau accused the government of double standards in enforcing HPA’s orders, referring to when Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed was photographed without his mask during a book signing event earlier this month.

“Look at the Parliament Speaker and his actions. This is not because of failure to wear masks,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Special Advisor to the PPM-PNC coalition, former Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, who was served summons to present himself to the police headquarters at 04:00 pm this Sunday.

He, too, accused the government of double standards, and said that he did not speak to the police, and chose to exercise his right to remain silent. He said that he will proceed with the case with the assistance of a lawyer.