Home Minister Imran Abdulla has stated that he finds it shocking that some Maldivian people believe he is ignorant enough to threaten and frame a person.
In an interview given to Sangu TV, former President of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Hassan Luthufee claimed that Home Minister Imran Abdulla threatened to frame and jail him, and revealed that he was forced to leave the country due to the threats.
Responding to the allegations made against him, Imran, who is currently in Saudi Arabia to perform the Holy Hajj Pilgrimage tweeted that he was surprised to come to know that Maldivian citizens believed he was dense enough to commit such acts.
While Luthfee has made allegations against the Home Minister, he did not reveal Imran’s motive behind the threats.
Opposition parties PPM and PNC coalition has released a press statement in regard to Luthufee's allegations condemning Home Minister Imran Abdullah's alleged actions, stating that it proves that he is trying to influence former President Abdullah Yameen's money laundering trial. The coalition party's statement also said that the current administration came in to power stating they will be fair and justly, however they are using unfair ways to get things done the way the administration wants and it is not acceptable, they said.
Luthufee gave the interview to Sangu TV after an audio clip where Hassan Luthufee claims he left Maldives due to threats was leaked on social media.
While he was President of ACC, Luthufee failed to report to official duties for more than two months, and finally resigned this June just after the parliament's committee on Independent Institutions approved to dismiss him from his post. A letter sent by the ACC to the parliament read that Luthufee last reported to work on February 6. While he was on leave until 14th April, and did not report back to work after his vacation. It was reported that Luthufee has been residing in Malaysia since then. He had not commented on his resignation nor why he moved to Malaysia.
The leaked audio clip on which Luthufee can be heard speaking to an unknown individual on the phone has revealed claims that Luthufee was threatened and had feared for his life.
During the phone call, the man accused Luthufee of living abroad after striking a deal with the government. Luthufee then responded, saying nobody knows what he has endured, disapproval apparent in his tone.
"What deal? Why is everyone talking about a deal? No one is aware of what I have gone through", said Luthufee.
His acquaintance then said there had been no news from Luthufee and that the only updates he receives are through the media.
Luthufee then confessed to the individual that he was threatened and warned that he will be framed.
"[They] came to my office and threatened me, they warned me that I will be framed and jailed. I was unable to sleep for countless nights due to phone calls threatening my life", Luthufee described his ordeal.
However, Luthufee did not disclose who made the threats against him.
"I left Maldives when there was no other option left to save my life", said Luthufee
The individual then questioned Luthufee why he did not inform anyone of the ongoing threats.
"Who do I contact and what do I tell?", asked Luthufee.
"There is nothing that could have been done even if I had spoken about it. It is now useless to talk to anyone about anything", he continued.
He further clarified that he was not forced to leave the country due to a deal, and that he was even threatened and attacked on the streets.
"There was no deal -I even have photographic evidence that I was attacked on the streets, where I was nearly strangled", said Luthufee.
The individual then said he was not aware of the events that had taken place, and said he assumed "everyone gave statements for President Yameen".
"Due to threats", responded Luthufee.
It is not known when the phone call took place or who was on the line with Luthufee. However 'AVAS' can confirm that the phone call is authentic.
Home Minister Imran Abdulla
