Committee blocks Thoha’s HRCM nomination over domestic violence allegations

Parliament Committee on Human Rights and Gender has rejected President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s nominee Mohamed Faris Thoha for the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM), citing public complaints and allegations of domestic violence.

President Muizzu had nominated Thoha and Mohamed Shafeeq Mahmood for the two vacant posts at HRCM. Both candidates were interviewed by the committee last night.

During the session, MPs questioned Thoha about public complaints alleging that he had committed domestic violence against his former wife, which reportedly led to their divorce.

Thoha denied the claims, saying he had only “heard rumors” but insisted “nothing like domestic violence happened.”

He also denied allegations that he had left the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) due to misconduct, stating that he resigned after receiving a better offer from the private sector.

In addition to the allegations, Thoha drew criticism for his lack of knowledge of human rights law, admitting that he had not studied the subject in depth.

After evaluation, the committee found that only Shafeeq had scored above the required 75 percent mark, while Thoha scored lower points.

As a result, the committee approved only Shafeeq’s name to be forwarded to the parliament for a final vote.