Summoning the Former President

When someone takes an apparently futile action it is often because the real objective lies elsewhere. When the famous Presidential Commission, established to probe alleged corruption and embezzlement of state funds and resources, issued a summons to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, not even the Commission's most ardent fans –Abdulla Haseen included –would have really believed he would come running like Mary's little lamb.

There is a case pending in the courts challenging the legal powers of the Commission to summon and arrest people. Former minister Abdulla Yaameen has also refused to attend the Commission pending the disposal of the case.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily the former President's lawyer Abbas Shareef has confirmed a summons was issued late on Thursday. Abbas stated the Presidential Commission was unconstitutional and as such had no authority to summon people against their will.

Spokesperson for the Presidential Commission, Abdulla Haseen, has confirmed that the former President Gayoom had objected to accept the commissions summon. Haseen said the refusal meant legal action will be initiated.

[To read more details in Miadhu Daily click here.]