Nazim: President Yameen involved in my imprisonment

Former Minister of Defense Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim says President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was involved in his imprisonment and will be made answerable for his involvement.

Nazim was serving as Minister of Defense in Yameen’s administration when a raid in his residence on January 17, 2015 produced a firearm and bullets. He was arrested 23 days later and sentenced to 11 years in prison for import and possession of a firearm on March 26, 2015.

Nazim was in Malaysia on medical leave from prison when the Supreme Court ordered a suspension of his sentence pending the outcome of its review on November 4.

He returned to Maldives last Sunday night.

Speaking to press at the Velana International Airport on Sunday night, Nazim said that he has a victim of suffering borne by injustice.

He said that such injustice can only be put a stop to by ensuring perpetrators of injustice and those complicit in such schemes are given their due punishment.

Nazim accused President Yameen and former Commissioner of Police, Hussain Waheed of involvement in his imprisonment. And said he will ask for justice the first opportunity he has to meet President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu).

“And when I meet the President-elect, I will appeal to him for perpetrators of this wrongful act to be brought to justice. I believe the Commissioner of Police at the time – Hussain Waheed and President Yameen are involved in this evil crime,” said Nazim.

Nazim said that he has experienced his first taste of freedom in 3 years and nine months. And announced his intention of reentering the political field by joining Jumhoory Party (JP).

“I am experience freedom, today, after years of suffering. I say this is a victory for the Maldivian people,” said Nazim.

He said the President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu)’s election as president was a change affected through extreme sacrifice of multiple opposition politicians. And pledged support for Solih and his incoming administration.

Nazim was welcomed upon arrival at the VIA by hus family, leader of Jumhoory Party - Speaker Qasim Ibrahim, leader of Adhaalath Party - Sheikh Imran Abdulla and members of the Maumoon Reform Movement.

Senior officials from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) were absent.