Parliament accepts case calling for action against Zaki

The Parliament has accepted an emergency case on taking action against Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, who previously held the post of Special Advisor to former President Mohamed Nasheed, for making statements that could threaten national security.

Zaki made these statements to the Indian press during a recent visit to India, shortly after he was arrested for suspicion of consumption of alcohol.

The case against Zaki was submitted to Parliament by Progressive Party of Maldives’ (PPM) Thimarafushi MP Ahmed Shareef.

The case was accepted by Parliament with 22 votes in favour, while nine MPs voted against it.

Referring to Zaki’s statement, where he said that Indian forces would be “on the ground” to defend GMR if Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was presently in government, Shareef said that this is a serious issue which requires immediate action.

Shareef highlighted that Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has also expressed concern over this issue, which also indicates the seriousness of Zaki’s comments.

Pro-government MPs called to arrest Zaki once he returns to Maldives.

Fares Maathoda MP Ibrahim Mutthalib said that Zaki is a traitor, and that he should be punished for disrespecting the constitution and betraying the country.

MPs of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said that the emergency case against Zaki was submitted to Parliament as part of the campaign for the upcoming election of the Ungoofaaru constituency parliamentary seat.

MPD Chairperson and Hulhu-henveiru MP Reeko Moosa Manik said that it is not Indian forces, rather, the forces of the United Nations that should be brought into Maldives, because religious extremists exist in this country.