Imran’s appointment to Cabinet creates legal questions

The appointment of Leader of Adhaalath Party (AP) Sheikh Imran Abdulla as Minister of Home Affairs has created legal questions.

Imran was found guilty of inciting violence with his speech during the mass demonstration on May 1, 2015 and sentenced to 12 years in prison under the Anti-Terrorism Act – a sentence upheld by High Court upon appeal.

He was only recently released (on November 1, 2018) after the Supreme Court accepted the request for a review of Imran’s sentence and issued a stay order on his sentence.

One of the qualifications for a Cabinet minister is that if a person has been issued a sentence exceeding 12 months for a criminal offense, the person cannot be appointed until a minimum three years after he/she has finished serving the sentence or been issued a pardon.

Has the court overturned Sheikh Imran's conviction? pic.twitter.com/xek1igWVeB

— Dhiyana ???? (@dhiyanasaid) November 17, 2018

Several legal experts have therefore raised questions regarding the legality of the appointment.

Regardless, Imran has taken his oath of office, administered by the Chief Justice of Maldives Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi.