Shameem hints at resignation, assures he didn't succumb to influence

Aug 22, 2024, 12:10 PM
PG Shameem.

PG Shameem.

Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem has indicated that he might resign from his post after the Parliament's Judiciary Committee voted to dismiss him.

After defending himself at the Judiciary Committee, Shameem held a press conference at the PG Office and "personally thanked journalists."

Many of the questions he faced at the press conference were about allegations that the current government and former government had attempted to influence Shameem and whether he would resign.

In response, Shameem said he had "never wanted a position" and that he was aware a day might come when he would be dismissed due to the political atmosphere in the country.

"This is not because of lack of confidence. This is happening for another reason. That is how things run in Maldives still. I don't have any complaints over it," Shameem stated.

"A PG even resigned when I worked here as a deputy. I accept these things."

Shameem alleged that different people tried to influence him but anyone who attempted is aware that it cannot happen.

He added that he had not done anything that would tarnish his reputation in his long legal career and that is the biggest motivation to stay from being influenced by others.

"I don't want to do anything that will tarnish my name after working in this field for 20 years," he said.

Shameem noted that he pressed charges against some senior members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) when the party was in power in the past five years with a supermajority of the Parliament.

"MDP ministers and MDP MPs have also faced charges. If I had been influenced, it would not happen that way,” Shameem said.

However, the charges were later withdrawn. These include sexual assault charges against former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, corruption charges against former Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof and human trafficking charges against former MP Ali Riza.

Shameem said the Prosecutor General's Office has been transformed into an institution that will provide good quality services to the people and journalists.

“As a world-class institution, citizens and journalists have access to services and information at a rapid pace, then someone else will take over, but the main foundation has been laid,” he said.

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