Dr. Muizzu charged with perjury

Photo: Avas

Male’, Maldives – Housing Minister of the former administration of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has been charged with perjury.

Prosecutor General’s Office revealed that Dr. Muizzu was charged with perjury following his false testimony in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on June 25, 2019, as a witness on behalf of Noomadi Resorts and Residences, against the Maldivian state.

Details of the false statement given by Dr. Muizzu were also revealed including that his statement included that Noomadi had been completing all work on schedule without fail as per the phase 1 agreement signed in 2011 and phase 2 agreement signed in 2013.

His wrongful testimony also included that he had not partaken in the negotiations  to retrieve Lh. Dhiffushimaadhoo for government purposes, which had initially been given to Noomadi Resorts to construct luxury villas.

The former Minister is charged under the Article (520) section (A) and (E) of the Penal Code of Maldives and If found guilty, he could face a sentence of at least four months and 24 days.

Dr. Muizzu had also been summoned to the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament of Maldives previously regarding the same case. The committee had passed to file an official complaint against Dr. Muizzu to the police, for providing the committee with false testimonies.

He has been summoned to the police with regards to the complaint twice.

Noomadi filed a case in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, claiming USD155 million in damages and other arbitrary expenses.

The government of Maldives has since signed a settlement agreement with Noomadi, on 26th August 2019. Maldives paid USD 55 million to the company in the out of court settlement.

While these charges have been filed against Dr. Muizzu, he has previously announced his interest in running to become the Mayor of Male’ City on the opposition party, PPM ticket.