Tag: police

Former Defense Minister Tholhath pleads not guilty to terrorism charges

Former Minister of Defense Tholhath Ibrahim Kaleyfaanu has pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges over the January 2012 detention of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed.

At a 5:00pm trial on Monday, Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Didi gave Tholhath three days to appoint a lawyer and answer charges.

Tholhath’s hearing took place right after former President Mohamed Nasheed appeared in court over the same charges. Judge Didi had placed Nasheed in police custody until the end of the trial.

Brigadier General (Rtd) and MP Ibrahim Didi, Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Ziyad, and current Defense Minister Moosa Ali Jaleel also face terrorism charges over the judge’s arrest. But the three have not been informed of when their trials are to take place.

Jaleel was the Chief of Defense Forces during the judge’s arrest. He was appointed as Defense Minister in late January following the dismissal of then Defense Minister Mohamed Nazim after a controversial discovery of weapons at his residence.

Nazim is currently in police custody over terrorism and treason charges.

Three successive Defense Ministers in the Maldives now face terrorism charges. The offense carried a jail term between ten and 15 years.

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Police deny brutalising Nasheed

The Maldives Police Services have denied former President Mohamed Nasheed was brutalised when he was escorted into the Criminal Court yesterday.

Speaking to the press last night, Superintendent of Police Hamdhoon Rasheed said the opposition leader had staged a fall, and that his arms and fingers were not injured as he had claimed in the courtroom.

“When he fell and started to show resistance, the police attempted to ensure he received no injuries in taking him inside the courtroom,” he said.

Nasheed appeared in court for a terrorism trial with his arm in a makeshift sling. The opposition leader asked for immediate medical attention and right to legal counsel.

He had been arrested on Sunday on a court order that claimed he might abscond from the terrorism trial scheduled for the next day. Nasheed is being re-prosecuted on terrorism charges over the detention of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012.

Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Didi placed Nasheed in detention until the end of the trial and gave him three days to appoint a lawyer and answer charges.

Superintendent Rasheed also alleged politicians were calling up individual police officers and offering “large amounts of money” as bribes to carry out “certain activities” and leak information on investigations.

Injured

Nasheed had arrived at the Justice Building at 4:00pm under a heavy Specialist Operations (SO) police guard. When journalists attempted to question the former president, SO officers surrounded and manhandled him.

Minivan News journalists observed Nasheed repeatedly asking the police to pull back, saying he will walk into the court room on his own accord.

Nasheed fell down and his shirt was torn in the process.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) issued a statement last night condemning police brutality against the party’s president, claiming President Abdulla Yameen had directed the police’s actions.

“Police physically injured Nasheed when they took him into the Criminal Court on Presidents Yameen’s administration’s orders following his unlawful he was arrested against the constitution, regulations and international standards in making arrests,” the statement read.

Speaking at a press conference last night, MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed said that the party’s leadership was extremely worried over the former president’s safety.

MDP’s Vice Chairman Ali Shiyam had shared concerns with the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, he said.

“President Nasheed urges people to cross the boundary of fear and to come out on February 27,” Waheed said.

Stunts

Speaking on TVM’s “Maldives Today” programme last night, Presidential Affairs Minister Mohamed ‘Mundhu’ Hussein Shareef accused Nasheed of playing “stunts” in order to get international media attention and said such incidents tarnished Maldives’ image.

He claimed the government was not under any international pressure, saying expressions of concern by international organizations and foreign countries “do not amount to pressure.”

Nasheed as commander-in-chief had “kidnapped” Judge Abdulla Mohamed, Mundhu said, arguing: “When the case begins in a court, how can it be called a political act in a society that believes offenders must be tried?”

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb, speaking alongside Mundhu, said President Yameen would not interfere with the Prosecutor General’s Office or the judiciary.

“We are not like President Nasheed’s administration. We would not lock up the Supreme Court or the Majlis or disappear politicians. In our administration, the police will not act without a court order,” the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives’ deputy leader said.

“In a democratic environment with separation of powers, how can we influence the other power,” he said.

Nasheed must be tried and penalized to ensure justice is done to Judge Abdulla Mohamed, he continued.

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Commonwealth, Canada express concern over denial of legal representation for former President Nasheed

The Commonwealth and Canada have expressed concern over the denial of legal representation to former President Mohamed Nasheed at his trial on terrorism charges yesterday.

The Commonwealth spokesperson noted in a statement yesterday that the intergovernmental organisation was closely monitoring developments in the wake of the opposition leader’s arrest on Sunday (February 22).

“The Secretary-General is concerned to note reports that former President Nasheed was denied the right to legal representation at the court hearing that took place on 23 February. The Commonwealth has also noted the arrest of former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim on 10 February,” reads the statement.

“The Secretary-General raised his concerns today with the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Hon Dunya Maumoon, and has stressed the importance of ensuring that the rule of law is respected, with adherence to due process, and in accordance with the Commonwealth Charter.”

The statement added that Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma also “reiterated his offer to provide Commonwealth expert assistance in relation to upholding the separation of powers in Maldives, consistent with the Commonwealth’s Latimer House principles on the separation of powers between the three branches of government.”

Nasheed appeared in court for the first hearing of the trial yesterday with his arm in a makeshift sling after police officers manhandled the former president outside the court building when he attempted to speak with journalists.

Canadian Foreign Minister Rob Nicholson meanwhile put out a statement yesterday expressing “grave concern” at Nasheed’s arrest.

“Developments in Maldives and the brutal and unjustified treatment of the former president call into question Maldives’ commitment to due process and democratic principles,” reads the statement.

“Mr. Nasheed’s unlawful detainment and the denial of his constitutional rights, including to legal counsel and appeal, under the politically charged allegation of ‘terrorism’ are abhorrent.

“We expect that Mr. Nasheed will receive medical care without delay. Canada calls on the Government of Maldives to reaffirm its commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and it urges that differences be resolved within the constitutional framework of Maldives. As tensions rise in the country, Canada urges calm and restraint on all sides.”

Official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Syed Akbaruddin, also expressed concern yesterday over the recent developments, “including the arrest and manhandling of former President Nasheed,” and appealed for peaceful resolution of the political crisis.

Meanwhile, the US State Department revealed yesterday that Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Nisha Biswal had spoken to Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon to express concern over Nasheed’s arrest and subsequent developments.

“She urged the government to take steps to restore confidence in their commitment to democracy, judicial independence, and rule of law, including respect for the rights of peaceful protest and respect for due process,” State Department Spokeswoman Jen Psaki said at a regular news briefing.

Right to legal counsel

The Criminal Court yesterday refused to register any of the former president’s five lawyers to advocate on his behalf at the terrorism trial.

Citing new regulations, the Criminal Court informed the legal team on Monday morning that the lawyers had to register at the court two days in advance despite being unaware of the trial until the former president’s arrest less than 24 hours ago.

“How can we submit forms two days ahead for a trial we did not know would take place two days before? It is clear to any sane person this is absolute nonsense,” Nasheed’s lawyer, Hisaan Hussain, told the press.

The legal team was also unable to appeal the Criminal Court’s arrest warrant – which they contended was “arbitrary” and riddled with irregularities – after the court informed the lawyers that the new appeal form was as yet unavailable.

Concluding the first hearing of the terrorism trial yesterday, Judge Abdulla Didi granted Nasheed three days to appoint a lawyer and prepare his defence on charges of ordering the military to detain Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012.

The judge also ordered police to hold Nasheed in pre-trial detention until the conclusion of the trial.

Related to this story

Former President Nasheed arrives in court with arm in makeshift sling

Nasheed denied right to appoint lawyer and appeal “arbitrary” arrest warrant, contend lawyers

Police arrest former President Mohamed Nasheed ahead of terrorism trial

MDP, JP rally supporters ahead of mass February 27 march

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Police arrest former President Mohamed Nasheed ahead of terrorism trial

Police have arrested opposition leader and former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Ali Waheed tweeted around 2:45pm today that police have entered Maafanu Yaagoothuge to arrest the former president.

A large crowd of supporters gathered outside the former president’s residence as news of the arrest spread through the capital.

Minivan News journalists at the scene observed clashes between members of the public and Specialist Operations (SO) police.

While the police van with President Nasheed inside was stuck in the narrow alley for about 30 minutes, riot police used pepper spray indiscriminately to clear a path.

Minivan News also observed rocks being thrown at the SO officers.

President Nasheed was accompanied by his lawyer, Hisaan Hussain. The opposition leader is currently at the Dhoonidhoo detention centre.

Jumhooree Party (JP) Spokesperson Ali Solih has confirmed that Nasheed was arrested on terrorism charges over the controversial detention of Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed.

The arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court states that the former president might abscond from the trial.

On February 16, the Prosecutor General (PG) had withdrawn charges against Nasheed for further review.

Photo: Confrontation between police and Nasheed supporters at the time of his arrest

Refresh for updates

3:45pm – According to the office of the former president, Nasheed has been transferred to Dhoonidhoo prison. MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed has also been taken into police custody.

4:03pm – PG Muhthaz Muhsin has reportedly filed terrorism charges against former President Nasheed at the Criminal Court. The first hearing of the case has scheduled for 4:00pm tomorrow (February 23). The charges were raised in relation to the military’s controversial detention of Criminal Court Chief Judge in January 2012.

Former Defence Minister Tholhath Ibrahim, former Chief of Defence Forces Major General Moosa Ali Jaleel (currently President Abdulla Yameen’s defence minister), former Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Didi (currently MDP MP for mid-Hithadhoo), and Colonel Mohamed Ziyad also face terrorism charges.

Photo: Protest outside Nasheed’s residence, Yaagoothuge, at the time of his arrest.

4:08pm – Following rumours of the impending arrest of JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim, protesters have gathered outside the Villa offices in the capital. The MP for Maamigili is believed to be inside the building. However, according to local media, the Criminal Court has denied that a warrant has been issued for Gasim’s arrest.

4:11pm: Three have been arrested outside the Maldives Monetary Authority building. Hundreds of opposition supporters are gathering at barricades at all roads leading to the Police HQ.

4:17pm: Before boarding a speed boat to Dhoonidhoo Island Detention Center, President Mohamed Nasheed told reporters: “I call on the Maldivian public to do everything necessary to stop the arrest and harassment of myself and other politicians to save the Maldives.”

4:23pm: Ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) MP Ahmed Mahloof calls for Nasheed’s release and the withdrawal of charges in “national interest.”

4:35pm: Dozens of armed soldiers spotted outside the Coast Guard HQ in Malé. However, a military spokesperson told Minivan News there was no unusual activity within the military.

4:40pm: A Criminal Court official told Minivan News Judge Abdulla Mohamed took a leave of absence ahead of Nasheed’s trial over his detention. Judge Abdulla Didi is now in charge of the Criminal Court.

4:43pm: The Maldivian Democratic Party has called upon the PG and President Yameen to immediately release Nasheed, stating Nasheed “had never absconded from Court, nor have taken the opportunity to flee or go into hiding, during numerous opportunities he had in the past few weeks to travel abroad, and that he had expressly informed the judiciary and Prosecutor General that he does not have any intention to abscond from Court or avoid charges being brought against him.”

4:49pm: An official statement by the Maldives Police Services said the arrest warrant against Nasheed had been issued on the request of PG Muhsin.

A PG Spokesperson told Minivan News they had only requested for Nasheed’s arrest, although four others face the same charges and have been summoned to court at the same time.

4:55pm: The MDP claims warrants have been issued for the arrest of other senior members of the Maldivian Democratic Party, including the party’s spokesperson for international affairs Hamid Abdul Ghafoor.

The party condemned “in the strongest terms the brutality presently being inflicted on protesters with tear gas, peppers spray and assaults amongst gatherings of unarmed supporters of Presidnet Mohamed Nasheed.”

4:59pm: President’s Office Spokesperson Ibrahim Muaz Ali in a tweet stated: “I fully assure you this government will not arrest or detain any citizen unlawfully.”

5:09pm: Nasheed was first charged under Article 81 of the Penal Code, which states that the detention of a government employee who has not been found guilty of a crime is illegal.

He is now being charged under the 1990 Anti Terrorism Act, which states kidnappings and abductions and attempts to kidnap or abduct are acts of terror.

A PG Spokesperson told Minivan News the Prosecutor General is authorised to withdraw charges and resubmit a case on different charges.

If found guilty, he faces a jail term or banishment of ten and 15 years.

5:18pm: The office of former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed concern over the PG’s decision to re-prosecute Nasheed on “trumped up charges of terrorism.”

“There is little hope President Nasheed can be afforded anything approaching a fair trial.”

Read the full statement here.

5:20pm: Hundreds of opposition supporters calling for Nasheed’s immediate release have gathered near the Seagull café, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim’s Villa offices.

Minivan News journalists observed dozens of SO officers active at the Republican Square.

The Maldives Police Services in a statement at 5:05pm have warned they will take action against any citizens who disobey the police or break police cordons.

Photo: Protesters at the MMA area Photo: SO police at Republic Square

5:37pm: Demonstrators outside the MMA building are dispersing. However, a protest is ongoing near the Seagull cafe on Chandhanee Magu with MDP supporters calling for Nasheed’s release. Protesters remain behind police barricades.

6:11pm: Protests are ongoing near the Seagull café. Addressing the estimated 200-strong crowd, MDP supporter, Mariyam Agisa, 44, said: “We will not step back even if we are arrested or killed. We will do everything legally possible to oust this unjust government.”

MDP MP Eva Abdulla accused President Abdulla Yameen of arresting Nasheed in order to quell opposition protests against what they allege to be the PPM’s repeated violations of the constitution. The arrest comes ahead of a major opposition rally planned for Friday, February 27.

6:28pm: According to the MDP, at least six opposition supporters were arrested in the protests that followed Nasheed’s arrest today.

6:32pm: A police spokesperson confirmed one woman, a minor and five men were arrested on charges of obstructing police duty today.

Photo: Protests at Seagull café

8:00pm: Government supporters on Twitter have started a hashtag, #ISupportNasheedArrest. Majority Leader Ahmed Nihan tweeted today: “No one is above the law.”

8:05pm: MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed has been released from ADK Hospital after treatment of injuries. The former MP claims police assaulted him during Nasheed’s arrest this afternoon. Waheed was initially taken into custody along with Nasheed, but was later transferred to hospital.

9:03pm: About a hundred protesters are gathered near Seagull restaurant divided by police barricades into two sections, one on Chandaneemagu and the other on Fareedheemagu.

Several protesters are carrying placards with photos of youth with their faces covered during a PPM march in the capital on Thursday.

Earlier today, police released a statement urging protesters not to cover their faces or involve minors and to demonstrate in accordance with the Freedom of Assembly Act as well as the Anti-Social Behaviour Act. Police warned action against unruly demonstrators who disobey orders and break police lines.

9:08pm: An emergency meeting of the MDP-JP Inter-parliamentary Commission (IPC) is ongoing at Maafanu Kunooz.

9:24pm: Speaking at the protest, MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed has called on the police and military to defend the constitution. He has called for continued protests and for MDP supporters from across the country to come to the capital on February 27 for a planned mass demonstration.

Waheed expressed confidence of gaining a majority in parliament for the MDP-JP alliance and predicted more arrests in the coming days. He claimed President Yameen arrested former President Nasheed out of fear that the opposition will secure a parliamentary majority.

9:32pm: Ali Waheed criticised police for failing to arrest a suspect so far in the murder of a 24-year-old last night, suggesting the Maldives Police Service was too politicised to focus on combating crime. Waheed repeated calls for the public to join the mass demonstration on February 27, scheduled to begin at 4:00pm.

Waheed contended that the current political instability stems from the PPM marginalising former coalition partner JP. The country needs a national unity government led by JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim, he said.

9:42pm: Following the MDP-JP IPC meeting, JP Deputy Leader Ameen Ibrahim read out a joint statement to the press.

“The arrest of former president and MDP president, Mohamed Nasheed, on accusations of terrorism is unacceptable to the JP and MDP. We believe the charges of terrorism against President Nasheed are politically-motivated. And we believe that this was an act intended to intimidate political opponents. Both parties call for the immediate release of President Nasheed,” read the joint statement.

Ameen appealed for the cooperation of all Maldivian citizens in the joint efforts of MDP and JP “to defend the laws and constitution.”

9:52pm: Speaking to Minivan News, former President Nasheed’s lawyer, Hisaan Hussain, noted that criminal court regulations stipulates that a defendant must inform the court two days in advance of his legal representation. As the first hearing of the trial has been scheduled for tomorrow, Hisaan said Nasheed might be denied the constitutional right to appoint a lawyer.

President Nasheed’s legal team will appeal the Criminal Court’s arrest warrant at the High Court, Hisaan revealed.

10:55pm: Speaking at the protest, JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim noted that the Prevention of Terrorism Act was enacted in 1990, 18 years before the adoption of the new constitution in August 2008, contending that 1990 law conflicts with the constitution.

Gasim reiterated calls for the PG to immediately withdraw the “politically-motivated” terrorism charges against President Nasheed.

Gasim also called on the government to immediately release former Defence Minister Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim, who is currently being held in pre-trial detention after police allegedly discovered a pistol and bullets in his apartment.

The JP leader and MP for Maamigili vowed to continue the protests across the Maldives.

10:55pm: Former Police Commissioner and JP MP, Abdulla Riyaz, said police and military officers had taken an oath to ensure the peace and security of all Maldivian citizens and should not “under any circumstances” enforce orders of politicians to make arrests or provide false pretexts to justify arrests.

Riyaz suggested police were forced to enforce the orders of politicians, including the arrest of former Defence Minister Nazim, who he reiterated had been “framed”. Nazim would not be convicted in a fair trial, he added.

The MP for Thaa Kinbidhoo appealed for police to act in accordance with the constitution.

“You shouldn’t be afraid of losing your jobs,” he said, urging police not to commit an “unjust” act in the hopes of a promotion.

Speaking for a second time, Gasim said the international community was watching developments in the Maldives closely. Gasim also questioned the necessity of keeping Nasheed in custody on the grounds that he might flee the country.

11:16pm: Protesters have moved to the Chandaneemagu-Majeedheemagu junction. JP and MDP leaders are making speeches atop a pick-up in the middle of the road. The crowd now numbers in the several hundreds.

11:18pm: Protesters are now heading towards President Yameen’s private residence on Alikilegefaanu Magu.

11:25pm: Protesters have broken through police barricades blocking the path to President Yameen’s residence. Police have used pepper spray and pushed protesters back. Minivan News journalists have observed bottles being thrown at police.

11:28pm: SO police officers in full riot gear have arrived and started pushing back protesters from Alikilegefaanu Magu to Majeedhee Magu.

11:31pm: Minivan News journalists have observed riot police arrest a protester.

11:35pm: SO police officers have pushed back protesters and set up barricades blocking entry to the south side of Alikilegefaanu Magu.

12:05am: Shortly before midnight, SO officers approached the pickup and asked JP and MDP leaders not to use loudspeakers after 12:00am. However, the JP’s Sobah Rasheed continued speaking without turning off the loudspeakers on the pickup.

The SO officers retreated and have not made any move to confiscate the speakers.

12:15am: SO police officers have charged the crowd, pushed protesters back and taken two protesters into custody. The crowd has been pushed back beyond the city council office.

12:17am: Minivan News journalists have observed MDP MP Ali Azim being taken into custody. Police are using pepper spray to disperse protesters.

12:23am: Riot police have charged again with batons and are attempting to disperse the crowd. A fourth arrest has been made. Minivan News journalists have observed one man injured during the SO charge near the city council office.

12:27am: Riot police have cleared protesters from Alikilegefaanu Magu and Majeedhee Magu. Police have opened Majeedhee Magu to traffic. Officers of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) with shields and riot gear remain near President Yameen’s residence.

12:41am: At least six people have been arrested. SO officers have since left the scene on a police vehicle. Some protesters have returned to the Alikilegefaanu and Majeedhee Magu junction. Pockets of protesters are also further down the road near Chandhanee Magu.

12:45am: Journalists saw an SO police officer shove a protester into a window of the New Line shop. The protester cut his hand and the glass was shattered by a baton.

1:00am: Protesters have now largely dispersed although a small crowd remains near the Chandanee Magu-Majeedhee Magu junction. SO officers have reportedly seized the pickup and are patrolling the street and attempting to prevent protesters congregating.

Minivan News has ceased live updates.

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Police arrest two minors, two men in drug bust

Police arrested two minors and two men with illicit narcotics in a five-hour operation conducted in Malé on Thursday night (February 19) by the Drug Enforcement Department (DED).

Based on intelligence information suggesting that drugs were being used and sold at Henveiru Zaa, police raided the guesthouse with a search warrant and arrested a 15-year-old male and 17-year-old female with 50 grams of drugs.

Police later arrested an 18-year-old male believed to have provided the drugs to the pair of minors. He was taken into custody from the street with six rubber packets containing drugs in his possession. Police found a further 10 packets in the vicinity.

All three suspects were Maldivians with police records.

The last suspect, a 28-year-old Bangladeshi man who is believed to have been the source of the drugs, was arrested with 50 grams of drugs in his possession.

Upon searching the Bangladeshi man’s room and belongings, police discovered a further 1 kilogram and 300 grams of drugs.

Police revealed that the 17-year-old girl had previously been stopped and searched five times on suspicion of drug use. The 15-year-old boy had been taken into custody three times, stopped and searched 12 times, and penalised four times for traffic violations.

The 18-year-old man had been stopped and searched 27 times and penalised for traffic violations.

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MNDF to provide security for former Police Commissioner Riyaz

The Maldives National Defence Force has said it will provide security for MP Abdulla Riyaz after the former police commissioner requested protection last week.

“People are following me everywhere I go. I feel somewhat threatened. I have requested for security but MNDF are yet to grant me security,” Riyaz told Minivan News.

MNDF Spokesman Major Adnan Mohamed said only that a request from Riyaz had been received and that the process of arranging the protection was ongoing.

The spokesman has also been quoted as saying that limited resources could delay provision of security to the Kinbidhoo constituency MP.

After serving as police commissioner between 2012 and 2013, Riyaz moved into politics, joining the then-government aligned Jumhooree Party (JP’s) before winning a seat in the Majlis last year.

Since the JP’s split from the government, and the arrest of former defence minister Mohamed Nazim, Riyaz has suggested the police are now being used to further political agendas – claims rejected by police as attempts to “deceive the public”.

His comments came after Nazim’s legal team suggested that dangerous weapons found in his home were planted by the police, who have since stated that the former minister had been plotting to overthrow the government.

Riyaz has also suggested that police are attempting to plant narcotics in his office, his home, or his car. He told Minivan News today that he had sent pictures of those following him to police.

Writing to the newly appointed Minister of Defence and National Security – Nazim’s replacement – Major General (retired) Moosa Ali Jaleel last week, Riyaz said he feared his life was in danger.

“I need security as I fear there might be an attempt on my life based on the political atmosphere set now,” he wrote.

Article 105 (b) of the Constitution requires the state security services to provide “protection and safety” to all members of the People’s Majlis.

Riyaz also sent a similar letter to Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer, asking if any person has been charged in the case of an MP’s motorcycle being set on fire, as well as an incident in which oil was thrown at him last December.

Security concerns in the country also caused the current Police Commissioner Hussein Waheed to take on additional personal security late last month.

Concerns for the security of MPs in October prompted the MNDF to warn Majlis members to stay in their homes after dark, saying that personal security would be made available to any MP who requested it, though the protection was withdrawn soon after.

This move had followed a significant number of threats made against MPs last year, with the Inter Parliamentary Union saying the government’s reaction would be a test of its democratic credentials.

Attacks on elected officials have become more common in recent years, most notably the brutal murder of Progressive Party of Maldives MP Dr Afrasheem Ali in October 2012.

In February last year, MDP MP Alhan Fahmy was nearly paralysed after being stabbed in the back in a busy restaurant in the capital Malé.


Related to this story

Police deny framing Nazim as former Commissioner alleges politicisation

MPs urged to stay in at night as MNDF offers personal security

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Majlis’ Ibthihaal investigation postponed until end of recess

The Majlis committee investigating the death of 3-year-old Mohamed Ibthihaal will wait until the house reconvenes in March before holding further meetings.

Chair of the Majlis government oversight committee Riyaz Rasheed told Haveeru that there was “no point” and that “nothing further that can be achieved”, accusing fellow committee member Rozaina Adam of releasing confidential documents.

“I specifically asked the members of the committee at its last meeting to not make any of these documents public,” said the Progressive Party of Maldives MP.

Since the committee’s first meeting was held on February 5 was adjourned to give members more time to study the case’s documents, opposition Maldivian Democratic Party MP Rozaina has accused Rasheed of slowing the committee’s work.

She has also told the media that the documents received from the police contained no details of the toddler’s case prior to his death, despite authorities acknowledging that they were previously aware of his abuse.

Last Thursday, she went on to say that the gender ministry’s report contained  questionable statements, alleging that both the ministry and police had acted in breach of the law.

Ibthihaal was found dead in his home with numerous wounds and bruises on the island of Vaavu Atoll Rakeedhoo on January 28. His mother is mother is charged with murder and is in police custody awaiting further investigation.

Riyaz reiterated that. while parliament’s involvement has been temporarily brought to a halt, the government is looking into the matter and taking necessary action to prevent further incidents of the kind.

Source: Haveeru

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Former Defence Minister arrested on illegal weapons charge

Recently dismissed defence minister Colonel (retired) Mohamed Nazim was arrested last night at around 1:15am.

Nazim’s lawyer has said police told him his client was being charged with offences related to activities against the state, while his arrest form described the charges as terrorism and possession of illegal items.

The charges carry a potential sentence of 7 – 10 years, explained Maumoon Hameed, adding that his client was taken last night to Dhoonidhoo detention center.

“We would be able to  prove at the remand hearing that the Nazim should not have been arrested and that he is not guilty of any accusations,” he told Minivan News.

Media had reported that the police’s investigation into dangerous weapons charges had been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office yesterday evening, though Hameed has not been officially informed of this.

Nazim himself tweeted news of his arrest to his followers shortly after 1am, also announcing that he had left the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives.

Police were unable to reveal further details of the arrest, while Minivan News was unable to obtain a response from the Prosecutor General’s Office at the time of press.

Special Operations officers raided Nazim’s home in the early hours of January 18, with police later saying they had found dangerous weapons – including a pistol and an explosive device during the search.

After initially expressing support for the minister, Nazim was dismissed from his position two days later, being replaced by Major General (retired) Moosa Ali Jaleel on January 20.

Police have maintained they were unaware that the home belonged to the defence minister prior to the raid, later telling media that the decision was made not to make arrests due to the profile of the suspect.

After the passports of both Nazim and his wife were confiscated, the former minister was summoned for questioning at police headquarters earlier this week.


Related to this story

Police raid Defence Minister Nazim’s home in early hours

Nazim dismissed as defence minister, replaced by Moosa Ali Jaleel

Pistol and explosive device found at Nazim’s home, says Police Commissioner

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Man arrested for keeping disabled son in chains

A 50-year-old man has been arrested for keeping his disabled son bound in chains at Baa Atoll Eydhafushi.

Haveeru reported that the case of the 23-year-old was brought to the attention of the relevant authorities by the Baa Atoll hospital after he was treated for a head injury, with police finding him bound in chains upon arriving at his house.

Meanwhile, the gender ministry and police have started investigating a case in Kaafu Atoll Guraidhoo involving the alleged abuse of 12 children.

According to information obtained by Haveeru, a gender ministry team has been deployed to the island to investigate the case, which was first brought to the attention of Guraidhoo School by a concerned parent.

“This involves children between grade 1 and 7. Some of the children have admitted to being abused. We have found out that these kids are being abused by the same group of people,” an unnamed source told the paper.

Last week, local child protection NGO Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) said that the recent increase in reports of child abuse cases following the death of Rakeedhoo toddler Mohamed Ibthihaal was only the “tip of the iceberg”.

The high profile case of Ibthihaal resulted in a spike in reports of child abuse to the police and gender ministry as the public and media campaigned to raise awareness on the issue.

Source: Haveeru

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