Mohamed Faris Thoha has failed to secure the minimum score required by Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, following questions over allegations of domestic violence.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had nominated Thoha and Mohamed Shafeeq for membership of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM). The committee interviewed both candidates on Saturday night.

Thoha, who previously served as Executive Director at the NCA during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s tenure, was questioned about allegations of domestic abuse against his former wife. He denied the claims, stating he had never been investigated by any authority, though he admitted he had heard such rumours.

Committee members also questioned him about another complaint relating to his conduct during his service at the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Thoha responded that he had left the military to take up a private sector opportunity, denying any misconduct.

As Thoha failed to achieve the 75 per cent score required in the committee interview, only Shafeeq’s name was approved to be forwarded to Parliament for appointment to the HRCM.