AG: Government’s books are open, there’s nothing to hide

Attorney General, Mohamed Anil has commented the Maldivian government’s books were wide open, and that it had nothing to hide.

AG Anil made the comment in answer to a question posed by “Sun” during the press conference held at President’s Office this Monday afternoon to read Maldivian government’s statement in response to United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s finding on former Maldivian Minister of Defense, Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim’s 11-year prison conviction following the weapons found from his apartment.

AG Anil said that Maldives, unlike other countries, kept close ties with such human rights groups. And that Maldivian government had supplied a detail report regarding Nazim’s case

upon request of UNWGAB when it started looking into the case.

“Our stand is that we have nothing to hide. Our books are open. Just come and see,” said Anil.

UNWGAD, in its report, said that Nazim was convicted in violation of Maldivian Constitution, Maldivian laws, and international laws. It also demanded Maldivian government invite the group to Maldives.

“This is our concern. Why come here after you have looked into it and made a decision?” said Anil.

He said the Maldivian government was always open, but did not give a direct answer as to whether the government will invite UNWGAD or not.

Reading the government’s statement in response to UNWGAD’s report, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim said that due process had been followed throughout all stages of criminal justice process in Nazim’s case.

Minister Asim that Maldives was an independent and sovereign nation, and called out for the international community to respect rulings issued by Maldivian courts.

“I note that if Nazim had any complaint over arbitrary detention, he had the right, as well as opportunity to file the complaint with a relevant court,” said Asim.

Maldivan government also challenged the reference made in the report to some NGO’s in

Maldives as “human rights experts”.

“Maldivian government is deeply saddened by references made in the working group’s report to articles submitted by some Maldivian NGO’s regarding the political situation of the country, calling such organizations “human rights experts”. UN’s working groups should be able to look into cases submitted to it with impartiality and independence.”

Asim said that despite UNWGAD’s claim it wanted to work with the Maldivian government, it was sad it made the offer only after submitting its report and not before.

Points noted in UNWGAD’s report:

• Weapons and bullets found in Nazim’s bedroom were planted there by police. And there was therefore an attempt made to frame Nazim.

• 5-day period provided by Criminal Court is insufficient based on the severity of the charge. And defense was blocked from calling a number of witnesses for testimony, and testimony of multiple witnesses were not heard.

• Nazim was not sufficiently provided information on State witnesses.

• Criminal Court failed to provide Nazim’s lawyers with reports and other documents needed for appeal during the appeal duration.

• Responsibility of proving the weapons found belonged to Nazim was shifted off State prosecution, and responsibility of proving the weapons found did not belong to Nazim fell to the defense.

• High Court taking five months to hear the appeal. And Supreme Court rejecting request to order High Court to expedite appeal.