- Decision to Seek Written Clarification Approved Unanimously
- Abdullah Ibrahim Was Released on Parole on 29 September
The People’s Majlis Judiciary Committee has decided to seek a written explanation from the Parole Board regarding the circumstances surrounding the release of Abdullah Ibrahim, who was serving a prison sentence in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking case in Addu City.
Abdullah Ibrahim was sentenced on 19 May last year after being found guilty in a case involving an attempt to smuggle 98 kilograms of drugs into the Maldives. He was released on parole on 29 September.
The Minister of Homeland Security has stated that Abdullah’s release was unlawful and that action had been taken against the members of the Parole Board in connection with the decision. The board members involved in the case have since been removed.
The Judiciary Committee considered the matter on Wednesday following a motion submitted by Galolhu North constituency MP Mohamed Ibrahim, seeking clarification over Abdullah Ibrahim’s release.
During the meeting, committee members stressed the need to establish how the release had been approved and to ensure that the circumstances were made clear to the public.
Addu Hithadhoo South constituency MP Mohamed Shahid said the removal of the Parole Board members involved did not bring the matter to a close. He emphasised that the committee had a responsibility to investigate the case further and explain what had happened.
Shahid proposed obtaining a written account of the circumstances surrounding the release. The proposal was seconded by Faresemaathodaa constituency MP Ashraf Rasheed and unanimously approved by the committee members.
“Matters of this nature need to be examined. The circumstances surrounding this case must be clarified in writing,” Ashraf Rasheed said.
Speaking during the committee meeting, Kanditheemu constituency MP Ameen Faisal also called for a clear explanation of how a person serving a prison sentence had been released under the parole system.
He argued that dismissing board members or accepting their resignations would not, by itself, resolve the issue. Instead, he said, the relevant circumstances must be investigated and appropriate action taken against those found responsible.
“If a person is found guilty of failing to fulfil their responsibilities, they must be held accountable. If a fine is warranted, it must be imposed. Measures must also be taken to ensure that the same responsibility cannot be mishandled again. The strongest possible action must be taken against the members of the board who were removed,” Ameen Faisal said.
Parole is a system under which a prisoner may be released into the community before completing the full prison sentence, subject to specified conditions.
Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusaan has said Abdullah Ibrahim’s release was decided without properly considering all the legal requirements and was also contrary to established policies.
The minister confirmed that all six members of the Parole Board involved in the decision had been removed. He added that new members would be appointed to enable the board to resume its work.
