Abbas appointed as Maldives’ new prosecutor general

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (R) presents Abbas Shareef (L) with his letter of appointment as Prosecutor General on September 18, 2024. (Photo/President's Office)

Abbas Shareef, the former Secretary to the President on Legal Affairs, has been appointed as the country’s new Prosecutor General.

He was presented with his letter of appointment by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Wednesday morning.

His oath was administered by Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan.

Abbas replaces former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem, who was dismissed in a no-confidence vote on August 22.

Abbas Shareef is appointed as Prosecutor General on September 18, 2024. (Photo/President's Office)

Abbas was picked by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu from among six candidates who applied for the vacancy. His nomination was sent to the Parliament’s Judiciary Committee for review on September 11. He received 93 percent marks during the committee review, and his candidacy was approved by unanimous consensus.

The Parliament took a floor vote on Abbas’ candidacy in an extraordinary sitting held on Tuesday morning. He received the legislative assembly’s backing with a unanimous vote of 85.

Abbas holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania, Australia.

He most recently served as the Secretary of the President on Legal Affairs at the President’s Office, and on the governing board of Maldives International Financial Services Authority (MIFSA). Some high-profile figures he represented during his legal career includes former presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. He also served as a High Court judge from 2011-2015.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (L) presents Abbas Shareef (R) with his letter of appointment as Prosecutor General on September 18, 2024. (Photo/President's Office)

During his committee interview on Monday, Abbas said that he did not apply for the vacant PG role at the behest of President Muizzu or any other government official, but out of his own interest.

He also promised impartiality, integrity and transparency in executing his duties if appointed to the role.

“My personal guarantee is this – I will not look at anyone’s face. I will make decisions based solely on the facts of the case,” he said.

Abbas also spoke in favor of introducing parental responsibility laws to hold parents and guardians liable for crimes committed by their children.