MP Jabir files suit seeking MVR 77.1 million in damages for arrest from Hondaidhoo

Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir has filed suit against the police seeking MVR 77.1 in compensation for damages incurred by him and his family as a result of his arrest from Haa Dhaalu Hondiadhoo in November last year.

Answering Jabir’s claims at the second hearing for the Civil Court case today, the lawyer from the Attorney General’s Office Moosa Aalim argued that Civil Court does not have the jurisdiction to hear the case and that an illegal arrest and detention case should be heard in the Criminal Court. He asked the Civil Court to declare that the matter cannot be heard in their court.

When asked to answer this procedural issue by the defence, Jabir’s wife, lawyer and former Attorney General Dhiyana Saeed asked the court to grant them the chance to present their argument in writing.

The judge concluded today’s session after allowing Dhiyana to present her argument in writing.

The people arrested from Haa Dhaalu Hondaidhoo on the 15th of November last year, under suspicion of alcohol consumption consist of prominent politicians and businessmen, including Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir, Henveiru-dhekunu MP Hamid Abdul Gafoor, General Manager of Haa Alif Alidhoo resort, Jadhulla Jameel, Reefside, Seenu Hulhudhoo, former President Mohamed Nasheed’s Special Envoy Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, H. Hulhugali, Male’, his son Hamdhaan Zaki, G. Hikihilaage, and former Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair his wife Ma. Maanaa Mariyam Faiz and two Sri Lankan citizens, Raj Mohan and Anoor Bandaranaik and one Bangaldeshi citizen, Suhail Rana.

Soon after his arrest, former president Mohamed Nasheed’s Special Envoy, Ibrahim Hussain Zaki had left the country stating medical purposes. Police have forwarded cases for prosecution against all other individuals arrested from Hondaidhoo.