No-confidence motion filed to dismiss prosecutor general

A ruling coalition lawmaker submitted Monday a motion of no-confidence to remove Prosecutor General Aishath Bisham from office.

Thinadhoo North MP Ahmed Abdulla accused the chief prosecutor of failing to perform her duties without undue influence. Bisham was culpable in the “unlawful” arrest and prosecution of several lawmakers, reads the motion.

The lawmakers were detained and put on trial for “political motives” in breach of the criminal procedures law, Abdulla contended, noting her failure to exercise powers as an independent state official.

In the wake of former president Abdulla Yameen’s heavy defeat in September’s election, the courts released several jailed politicians and cleared the way for the return of exiled opposition leaders.