Court issues arrest warrant for MP Jabir

Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir, after he failed to attend court for two hearings regarding his indictment for alleged possession of alcohol and using cannabis in Haa Dhaalu Hondaidhoo, last November.

Police Media Official said tonight that the Criminal Court has issued an ordered upon the police to arrest MP Jabir and produce him before the court. He said that the order was issued this afternoon and that police will carry out their duty as ordered.

In addition alcohol and cannabis charges, the MP Jabir has also been indicted for refusing to provide urine samples to the authorities, a conviction which could cost him one year in prison.

MP Jabir’s was also informed by the Department of Immigration that his passport has been withheld by the authorities, when went to the airport to leave the country on Monday night.

The State has also raised charges against Henveyru-South MP Hamid Abdul Gafoor and the General Manager of Haa Alif Alidhoo Resort Jadulla Jameel, in relation to the Hondaidhoo case.

According to Article 108 (c) of the Drugs Act, a person convicted using cannabis maybe sentenced to 15 years in prison, in addition to a fine of between MVR 25,000 and MVR 500,000.

A parliament member sentenced to more than 1 year and 6 months in prison is also liable to lose his seat in parliament.