Mayor Muizzu: Allegations of corruption against me cannot be proven in court

Male’ City Mayor, former Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated he has not done anything in violation of the law – adding that the allegations against him cannot be proven in a court of law in this regard.

Speaking to Sun regarding the case sent to the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) requesting that charges be filed against Muizzu for allegedly providing undue advantage to a third party – Strada Private Limited, which operates NEWPORT – through corruption, Muizzu said that he has never done anything in violation of the laws at any time.

“I have full faith in myself that I have never done anything in violation of the laws. But, if they wish to press charges against me – they have that opportunity. This is because they are independent institutions,” he had said.

Muizzu further added that the institutions will face no interference from him in carrying forward with the case. He also noted that if he needs to be defended at a court of law regarding the matter – his legal team will fully prepare for it.

In addition to Muizzu – ACC has also requested that charges be filed against former Minister of State for Housing Ahmed Habeeb regarding the same matter.

A statement released by ACC yesterday noted that an agreement was signed between the Housing Ministry and Strada Private Limited to develop a bridge viewing platform, a food outlet and a parking area at Lonuziyaaraiy Kolhu.

ACC further detailed that when Strada had requested permission to also establish an outlet where cold beverages are sold within the parking area stipulated in the agreement – the Ministry had given permission to do so, but after shifting the parking area already allotted in the agreement to the west in order to make additional space.

This has resulted in Strada receiving an additional 2464 square feet of land to conduct business in addition to what was already agreed in the agreement – providing an unjust undueadvantage to them according to ACC.

ACC’s statement stresses that the permit from the Ministry was in violation of the sections regarding opened tenders in the state budget regulations which were in effect back then. They also added that the Ministry had not sought legal advice on the matter before proceeding with the permit.

Muizzu has already been charged with perjury in relation to a case sent by ACC prior to this – of which the trial is current ongoing. He is accused of providing false testimony as a witness on behalf of Noomadi Resorts and Residences and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, against the Maldivian state on June 25, 2019.