Former Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Brigadier General Ahmed Nilam has filed a case with the Human Rights Commission (HRCM) relating to his suspension and eventual dismissal from service.
A ten-month suspension followed statements made by Nilam to the Majlis government oversight committee in January last year during which he claimed the February 2012 change of government had “all the characteristics of a coup”.
Nilam told Minivan News today that his case – submitted after unsuccessful attempt to take the issue through the courts – was important for both the MNDF and for democracy.
“I strongly believe that if I stay quiet, the upholding of democracy will not be there and subordinate soldiers will continue to get unfair punishments” the 26-year veteran explained.
He maintains that his career was ended in relation to his comments to the oversight committee – constitutionally protected under parliamentary privilege – which were later publicised by committee MPs.
Saying at the time of of Nilam’s dismissal in November that he had been relieved of duty for “violating MNDF duties and disciplinary norms, repeating acts that should not be seen from an MNDF officer, revealing secret information against military regulations, diminishing the honor of the MNDF, and sowing discord in the military”, the MNDF had no further comment to make on the matter today.
Nilam – formerly head of military intelligence – explained that around a dozen other soldiers were dismissed immediately after the February transfer of power, suggesting all of these cases breached the rights enshrined in the 2008 constitution.
“I love democracy – I want this country to be a democratic Islamic country and we are evading from it during the last two years,” he said.
Depending on the outcome of the commission’s report, Nilam pledged to take his case to the the relevant international bodies.
After effects
The fallout from the chaotic events of February 2012 continue more that two years on, with former President Mohamed Nasheed claiming earlier this week that the events had set a precedent that would have lasting effects.
“The legitimate means of changing regimes has been demonstrated in 2012. The Supreme Court has demonstrated how to interpret the constitution. With that legitimacy, both ourselves and those in power, we should not rule out the possibility that another group may overthrow the government,” he told Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) supporters in Malé.
MDP MP Eva Abdulla has also called this week for Attorney General Mohamed Anil to appear before the Majlis in order to explain how his government is addressing the recommendations of the Commonwealth-backed national inquiry.
While dismissing the claims of mutiny among security forces and duress in Nasheed’s resignation, the CoNI report did recommend reform of the judiciary and security services, as well as prosecution of those security personnel found guilty of acts of brutality.
The CoNI was subsequently criticised by legal experts as being “selective”, “flawed”, and having exceeded its mandate, prompting a further parliamentary probe into the presidential transition.
Following its own investigations into the events of leading to Nasheed’s resignation, and the brutal police crackdown on his supporters the following day, the HRCM last December accused institutions of failing to implement the majority of its recommendations.
HRCM Vice President Ahmed Tholal told Minivan News today that the commission was due to release a further report into the extent to which stakeholders have complied with its advice in the coming weeks.
The commission was unable to discuss ongoing cases such as General Nilam’s, he explained.
(0)Dislikes
(0)Related Posts
MPs urged to stay in at night as MNDF offers personal security- MDP detainees accuse police of sexual harassment: “What right do they have?”
- MNDF ‘withdrew’ former First Lady’s bodyguards
- Security services to receive medals on Independence Day
- Two men drown in Fiyori, one boat sinks in bad weather
- “Our prayers are as powerful as swords”: Malé is calm, but anger simmers
Nilam : I would suggest you drag the process through the courts a further 25 years or more. Mind you it wouldn't take much, looking at their progress rate.
As it is, if you file your case now, the courts may get round to have a look at it, sometime 2045.
They would then look at it and in their ignorance, would rule in your favour, to pay you three decades of salary, and order MNDF to give you your job. The only thing would be that you might then be past your 80 birthday, and may not be able to hold your breath long and push your chest out.
The Human Rights Commission will not go against anyone in this Government. They are by the Government for the Government. The words Human Rights is just a name sake.
This guy is a traitor and he deserve to be punished.
We don't have human right commission and we have criminal right commission in Maldives.
This guy is a traitor and he deserve to be punished.
We don't have human right commission and we have criminal right commission in Maldives.
Hero, what makes a traitor? All those who dare to stand up against inequality and injustice? I wonder if you would have the guts to go to Nilaam and call him a traitor to his face. Many officers in MNDF would stand up against the drama that took place in a supposedly respectable institution such as MNDF, so that a certain party or people could come into power, if they didn't have to fear losing their jobs. Nilaam is in the situation he is in today because he chose dignity and self respect over following the orders of rogue officers in MNDF. While you call him a traitor, you have nothing to prove that, but the way Nilaam has served this country during his career in MNDF is very clear. Shame on people like you who don't hesitate to smear the good names and reputations of respectable individuals such as Nilaam, just so that you can defend your political views.
yes this guy is a traitor according to the MNDF & news i've heard & read.
-EVERYONE HERE IS TELLING THEY WANT A DEMOCRACY GOVERNMENT BUT DID YOU ALL KNOW THAT THE DEMOCRACY IS ASSURED THE RIGHTS FOR ALL THE RELIGION CAN BE PRACTICE IN A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY. I HOPE YOU ALL IDIOTS AGREE WITH THIS IF NOT, THEN STOP SAYING YOU WANT A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY.
@Mariyam.
I am not afraid to on his face what ever I have mentioned here.
He is a traitor and it make no difference how along he had worked there .
People like you have no tolerance to digest any criticism on Nasheed and his gangs .
Hero, there you go with Nasheed again. I think you must be super obsessed with Nasheed. Every time I say anything against this government or every time I disagree with something you say, u are quick to make it about Nasheed. Well, I guess it's obvious who is the one with low tolerance here eh. Be cool and stick to the point in the article my dear. :)Only you think the world revolves around Nasheed, even he doesn't think so. Haha
The problem is not with the guy in power.
The problem is with the people of Mordis, in electing him to be the president.
Be it Nasheed or Yamin, if they can't address the the biggest failure in our system, which is the justice system by far, then that person is not fit to be a president of a civilised community.
He can be a leader of dummy puppets. I sometimes wonder that this may be the case after all...
@ mariyam
He (Nilam) is a traitor because he release a top secret/confidential files from MNDF to the public/media & must be label as traitor & must be in trial for treason of his sworn duty to the country & his obligation as a military general.
@i
The MNDF has failed to protect the people. Nilam merely released evidence to further destroy the parasite. You might enjoy the blood of Maldivian people on your lips, but Nilam is a man of honor.
If releasing information about a criminal organization makes him a traitor to the gangs, then so be it - it is a medal of honor to be considered a traitor to a pack of thieves, rapists, crossdressers and cowards.
@dreadlocks
Freedom of religion is guaranteed in the Holy Quran. If you don't agree with it, go burn your dreadlocks. 😛
@ maldivian
then why there is apostasy in Islam? and why this country is not permitting other religion to be practiced? democracy is not for muslim country.