The current government has “economically paralysed” Jumhooree Party (JP) Leader Gasim Ibrahim, its Deputy Leader Ameen Ibrahim has said.
“Even though Gasim has not been put behind prison bars, the government has economically paralysed him,” Ameen said at a press conference of the opposition’s newly formed “Maldivians against brutality” alliance today.
Gasim could not actively participate in opposition activities as the government has “cornered” the tycoon by targeting his businesses, Ameen said.
While the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) accepted the Adhaalath Party’s (AP) invitation to form a united front against the government, the JP’s national council is yet to decide whether the party will join the new alliance.
However, Ameen and several other senior JP members have been working with the alliance, claiming their participation was in an “individual capacity.”
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, AP President Sheikh Imran Abdulla accused the government of planning to seize all of Gasim’s assets and making sure he was “unable to move his hands or legs” in his defence.
Meanwhile, in an appearance on Gasim’s Villa TV, MDP Vice President Mohamed on Saturday said Maldivians should not wait and watch while the government destroyed Gasim’s Villa Group.
On March 1, the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) gave a 30-day notice to Villa Group to pay US$100 million allegedly owed as unpaid rent and fines.
Moreover, in February, the tourism ministry seized several islands and lagoons leased to Villa Group as part of an out-of-court settlement.
MDP-JP alliance
After officially leaving the ruling coalition in January, the JP formed an alliance with the MDP in January and launched nightly protests on February 10 against what they alleged were repeated violations of the constitution by President Abdulla Yameen’s administration.
Gasim himself and other JP leaders took part in the protests, which culminated in a mass rally on February 27.
Following former President Mohamed Nasheed’s arrest on February 22 ahead of a surprise terrorism trial, Gasim called on the Prosecutor General to withdraw the “politically motivated charges” and vowed to continue protests.
However, after failing to return from a trip to Sri Lanka to attend the February 27 protest march, Gasim has not appeared in opposition protests. He has also not made any public statements since a meeting with Home Minister Umar Naseer on March 5.
Villa Group is one of the largest companies in the Maldives with the holding company Villa Shipping and Trading Pvt Ltd conglomerate operating businesses in shipping, import and export, retail, tourism, fishing, media, communications, transport, and education.
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Hahaha 'individual capacity?'
Well, I can tell you that YAG is going about his business in a very 'individual capacity' and his ambitions to be president forever. If he can, he will be a King forever.
Please cut the bull dung.
Jumhoori is equal to whatever Qasim is. In fact it more so than the 'Nasheed equals MDP' tantrum. With MDP, the constituents actually do get to say what they have in mind. That's more than what can be said about JP/Qasim. All Qasim really cares is his wealth and business.
Qasim has "nicely" (this is in question too) ordered you pawns to do this. Now just do it!
Wake up Maldivians and truly see what is happening to your country. The moment someone stands up to the Government even within their own party they are penalized - ummmmmmmmmm
This shows how corrupt your President or DICTATOR is - WAKE UP -
Today Gasim is a hero ? we have read and seen numerous article written about Gasim here on Minivan claiming Gasim as Traitor and robber and threat to the national security .
But when wind has changed , the same person has become a hero and part of democracy too.
No matter what is being said and done, Gasim is an important play in the Political environment and he has plays a major role in our economy.
But what i don't like is that some people treat and use him as a tool and Nasheed is a living snake in this country and he will keep on poisoning people at his own whim.
It seems Gasim is spiritually with opposition to topple govt... well good luck.
Gasim just happens to be at the wrong place at the right time. That has been the case when he aligned with MDP and later with PPM. Both of these alliances cost him dearly in the past.
Of course, this is not just specific to Gasim. PPM would have sided with *anyone* that could have influenced the outcome of the last election, even that *anyone* was named Shaitan! Unfortunately for Gasim, they chose him, and it was quite a surprise to most of us when Gasim decided to go with them. After all, Gasim knows Yameen and his evil ways better than most Maldivians.
Anyway, it's a dog eat dog world out there. Those who were literally fed by Gasim have betrayed him and are now sporting high profile portfolios in the regime. This is a lesson not just for Gasim, but for all.