Ministers told to delay trips if they have to attend court

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has told his Ministers to prioritize their commitments to the courts and delay official trips abroad if they have court dates.

Speaking to the press following a signing event for new members joining the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) at Muliaage on Monday night, President Yameen said the message was communicated to his Minister on Monday.

The President’s remarks follow a recent order by Criminal Court upon the Maldives Police Service to arrest and produce Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer to court after the defendant failed to attend two hearings over official travels abroad.

“I have informed all Ministers, but I did not get a chance to tell Umar Naseer. After this, I told them to cancel official trips if they have to attend court, and to seek the court’s permission if they have to leave for personal reasons, for family medical purposes for instance,” President Yameen said.

The President said that he wants the government to respect the judiciary.

Home Minister Umar Naseer arrived in Male’ on Monday and has said that he will attend the hearing scheduled for today. President also said on Monday night that he has full confidence that Umar Naseer will attend the hearing.

Umar Naseer is charged with disobeying State orders for calling for 2000 volunteers to follow his instructions and use 50, 12-foot ladders to storm the walls of the country’s main military headquarters during a protest near the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) building in Male' on 23 January 2012, prior to the controversial change of power on 7 February 2012.