MP Easa’s domestic violence case sent for prosecution

Kendhikulhudhoo Constituency parliamentarian Ahmed Easa seen during the 2019 Parliamentary election campaign | Photo: FENAKA

Malé, Maldives – Maldives Police Service has completed the investigation and sent the case of MP of Kendhikulhudhoo constituency, Ahmed Easa for domestic violence to Prosecutor General’s Office to be prosecuted.

MP Easa allegedly attacked his wife at the time, Asra Naeem (Asoo) during May 2021, who is also the younger sister of Vice President of Maldives, Faisal Naseem and threatened to throw their child out of the balcony during the incident. Asra, after giving her statements to Police, has stated in a Facebook post that the experience is something she never expected to go through.

However, Asra has later told that she wanted to drop the case but police had told that the case would go on regardless of whether she wanted to or not because it was a criminal charge which was brought against MP Easa. Police further added that such charges cannot be dropped based on someone request.

This comes while Criminal Court of Maldives had denied arrest warrant requested by Maldives Police Service stating that although there are reasons why he is accused of domestic violence, under section 40 of the Criminal Procedure Bill, there is no lawful method to release an order to arrest MP Easa on May 21, 2021.

According to the verdict, although PG Office noted that the Police has stated that the reasons to arrest MP Easa include that he could influenced the remaining witnesses of the matter, the court has not received any proof other than the statement.

The verdict released by the only female Judge of the Criminal Court, Dheeba Naaz Fahumy, also noted that the Police and PG Office had previously never requested to arrest a perpetrator who was accused of violence even when 12 counts were made against an individual and that if MP Easa is arrested regarding this matter, Judge stated that it would mean that the court is against the equality rules.

Following the incident MP Easa was suspended from MDP’s Parliamentary Group (PG), as well as the spokesperson for the party’s internal committees.

In a statement, MDP revealed that he is relieved of his duties until investigations regarding the domestic violence case against him concludes. They added that the allegations against easa are very concerning, and that they strongly condemn it.

The party also called for relevant authorities to do a complete investigation as soon as possible.

“This party does not tolerate domestic violence or any from of inhumane acts or human rights violations “

Maldivian Democratic Party 

The party plans to advise their PG to suspend him from various committees he is a part of in the Maldivian Parliament.

While the parliamentary committee was unable to vote on his dismissal due to incomplete quorum, MP Easa has resigned from the position of Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs, while maintaining that there is no wrongdoing on his part.  

He has released a statement saying that he resigns from the post following the allegations and that he fully cooperates with the police and relevant authorities. He also assured the public and especially the people of his constituency that goes against the constitution, rules and regulations of the Maldives.

MDP’s statement also noted that the MDP majority Parliament and relevant committees have begun efforts to monitor the investigation and to decide on initial actions to be taken against MP Easa regarding the current allegations he faces.