Solih: ACC probe into ex-ministers is politically motivated

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has started investigating the case of three ministers in his cabinet when he was in power to scare away politicians, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Friday.

Former Education Minister Dr Aishath Ali, Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail and former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer have been summoned to appear before the ACC.

In a post on X on Friday, Solih said the ACC had ordered them to appear at a time when the independence of state institutions had been undermined. He described it as a plot to deviate from justice, silence the people and push back the opposition politicians.

"We know how this happened in the past. Unfair investigations and political verdicts will tarnish the whole country," he said.

Therefore, Solih called on the heads of state to refrain from such things and promote justice, equality and the rule of law.

Three ministers have been summoned to appear in cases being investigated by the ACC. Fayyaz will be produced on Monday. Ameer will be produced on Tuesday. But, it is not known when former minister Aishath Ali will be produced.

The three are being investigated for political backlash and intimidation, opposition maintains.

Former Minister Fayyaz and Ameer have also said they have not done anything wrong.

Ameer also expressed his dissatisfaction that the ACC is now trying to frame people unfairly in defense of their jobs. Also, the allegations against Fayyaz have been denied by Thinadhoo North MP from PNC Saudullah Hilmy. Fayyaz is being investigated for allegedly paying compensation to a company in which Saudullah has a stake.