Qasim needs to retire from politics: Azima

Former Minister of Legal Affairs at the President's Office Uza. Azima Shukoor | Photo: Mihaaru

Malé, Maldives – Renowned lawyer Aishath Azima Shakoor who was also the first female Attorney General of the Maldives has called out for the resignation of Maamigili constituency parliamentarian Qasim Ibrahim to retire from politics.

Azima called out for the resignation and retirement of MP Qasim following his remarks about Parliament of Kendhikulhudhoo constituency Ahmed Easa, on the accusations of domestic violence on his wife Asra Naseem (Asoo) who is also the younger sister of Vice President of Maldives, Faisal Naseem.

In Qasim’s texts to a whatsapp group of all the Parliament members, he spoke in defense of Easa. Qasim had responded to the accusations that Easa had almost thrown his child out from the balcony saying that he would kill the child. Qasim had pointed out to the profile picture of Easa in the group, saying that it was a photo of Easa and his child, and that it was really hard to accept that Easa would do such a thing to his own beloved son.

Women might lie about anything. (Men too).

Qasim Ibrahim

He added that the case has to be investigated thoroughly as well as criticising the Maldives Domestic Violence Law. Qasim stated that the law favours women to an immeasurable extent. 

Qasim stated this even though statistics show that women face domestic violence more frequently than men.

Qasim noted that a person can only be arrested for an investigation if the four conditions stated in the Constitution is fulfilled, and that it would be unlawful otherwise. He added that people cannot be arrested by just referring to some person’s statement.

Qasim further added that he thinks the investigation on Easa should be carried out without any remand or detainment, but with peace and justice.

Some lawyers have said that since the constitution states that one condition for keeping a person in custody while investigation is ongoing, is if said individual is capable of manipulating evidence, since Easa is a member of parliament with financial ability, he fulfills the condition of arrest.