Former Attorney General Aishath Azima Shakoor has countered the Civil Court’s order demanding the repayment of more than MVR 4 million to the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), characterising the decision as a personal attack. The court order, delivered in Shakoor’s absence, relates to a loan for an apartment purchase under a “musharakah agreement.”

Shakoor, currently a mayoral candidate for Malé, voiced her stance at a People’s National Congress (PNC) campaign event. She said that the court order, which demands payment within six months, was issued in her absence and argued that her financial challenges in meeting the loan obligations serve as proof that her income is earned through lawful means.

“I have suffered two personal attacks today,” Shakoor stated at the gathering. “You cannot mess with me.” She emphasised her resilience and willingness to confront personal challenges head-on.

In her speech, the former attorney general revealed that she had approached the bank to restructure the loan and had engaged in discussions last month. She expressed surprise at learning about the court’s decision through the media and highlighted that her current financial challenges stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the previous government, which barred her from practicing law. This, combined with the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, hindered her ability to repay the loan taken in 2016 for an apartment in Hulhumalé.

In her speech, the former attorney general disclosed that she had approached the bank to restructure the loan and had engaged in discussions last month. She expressed surprise upon learning about the court’s decision through the media. Shakoor also highlighted that her current financial challenges had stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the previous government, which barred her from practicing law. This, combined with the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, hindered her ability to repay the loan taken in 2016 for an apartment in Hulhumalé, she added.

Judge Zulaiha Sheeza ruled that Shakoor had not been repaying the loan as per the agreed terms and conditions. According to the court’s decision, an apartment and a plot of land in Hulhumalé, registered under Shakoor’s name, are to remain as collateral with the Islamic Bank until the debt is fully settled.

Shakoor, asserting her integrity, stated she had held numerous significant positions in the state, receiving only her salary and never abusing her authority for illicit self-enrichment. Despite the court’s verdict, she affirmed her commitment to continue her mayoral campaign and pursue legal avenues, including an appeal, based on her lawyers’ advice.