The Parliament has resolved to convene two sitting to appoint a new Prosecutor General, following the dismissal of former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem.
Under the Prosecutor General's Act, a new appointment must be made within 30 days if the position becomes vacant. Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim announced that Parliament will hold two sittings to appoint a new Prosecutor General. He also noted that Parliamentarians will receive a three-day notice before each sitting.
Former Prosecutor General Shameem was dismissed after a parliamentary debate and subsequent vote. He was removed with 65 votes in favor and 9 votes against. The dismissal was initiated by Parliamentarian Mohamed Shahid and approved by the Parliament's Judiciary Committee, which gave Shameem the opportunity to respond to the no-confidence motion against him.
During the debate, opposition parliamentarians voiced objections to Shameem's dismissal. Parliamentarian Ibrahim Nazil criticised the Judiciary Committee for conducting its meeting with Shameem in secrecy, arguing that it violated parliamentary rules. In contrast, ruling party members defended the secretive nature of the meeting, asserting it was lawful and presented valid reasons for Shameem’s removal.
Shameem faces several allegations, including mishandling high-profile cases such as the sexual assault charges against former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, the case against former Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof, and failing to appeal an alleged rape case involving a foreigner. Additionally, he is accused of withdrawing human trafficking charges against former Parliamentarian Ali Riza, cases related to same-sex relationships, and 77 alcohol-related cases. There are also allegations that he decided not to prosecute those involved in the ventilator case and discriminated against employees of the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Some media reports suggested that Shameem resigned during the parliamentary voting session. However, the Chair of the Parliament has confirmed that Shameem's resignation letter was not submitted to the President's Office prior to the vote.