Jail sentence of ex-defence minister and lawmaker suspended

Stay orders were issued to free former lawmaker Ahmed Nazim and former defence minister Mohamed Nazim.

The Maldives Nine: Who Are They?

The Supreme Court has annulled all proceedings against nine prisoners and ordered their release until a fair retrial. Who are they and what were they alleged to have done?

Supreme court throws out ex-defence minister’s pistol smuggling appeal

The supreme court registrar said judges had “decided not to hear the appeal” after holding two hearings. Nazim’s family has accused the Maldivian state of holding him hostage.

Supreme court asked to summon high-profile witnesses for Nazim’s appeal

The Supreme Court has been asked to summon several high-profile witnesses in light of new evidence that could prove former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim was framed by the police.

New evidence will prove Nazim was framed, says lawyer

The ex-defence minister’s lawyer Husnu Suood told the press that the Supreme Court will be asked to hear testimony from an eyewitness who saw a police officer involved in the midnight raid on Nazim’s apartment planting a black bag containing the pistol.

High Court concludes hearings in ex-defence minister’s appeal

The High Court heard closing statements today in former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim’s appeal of his 11-year jail sentence on a weapons smuggling charge. Presiding Judge Abdul Rauf Ibrahim said a verdict will be delivered at the final hearing. Lawyers will be duly notified of a date, he said.

Ex-defence minister granted medical leave for heart surgery in Singapore

The Maldives Correctional Services this week approved a 15-day medical leave for the retired colonel to undergo a heart surgery in Singapore. A final hearing in the appeal of Nazim’s 11-year jail sentence on a weapons smuggling charge is meanwhile due to take place tomorrow.

Army captain testifies in ex-defence minister’s appeal hearing

During Nazim’s trial in March, the criminal court had refused to call all but two of the 37 defence witnesses, claiming some were not relevant while others could not negate the prosecution’s claims. Yesterday’s appeal hearing was closed to the media, but Captain Ali Ihusan was seen entering the court.

High Court to summon witnesses for ex-defence minister’s appeal

Mohamed Nazim’s lawyer also asked the High Court to consider sentencing him under the new penal code if judges decide to uphold the criminal court’s 11-year sentence on a weapons smuggling charge. Under the new penal code, weapons possession carries a jail term of less than one year.

Lawyers repeat plea for medical care to jailed politicians

Lawyers representing jailed ex-Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim and former ruling party MP Ahmed Nazim have accused the government of neglecting their clients’ medical care and endangering the pair’s health.

Jailed ex-defence minister to petition UN too

“We attempted to exhaust local remedies from the Maldivian judiciary, but it seems that the courts have absconded from trial by refusing to hold hearings,” Nazim’s lawyer Husnu Suood said. An appeal of Nazim’s conviction on weapons smuggling charges has been stalled since April.

Jailed ex-defence minister brought to hospital with persisting health problems

Nazim’s brother Adam Azim told The Maldives Independent that the retired colonel has had countless hospital visits since his imprisonment in March due to complications with his health, stressing that Nazim did not suffer any of the problems before his arrest.

Jailed ex-defence minister seeks Supreme Court order to expedite appeal

An appeal of Nazim’s 11-year jail sentence on weapons smuggling charges remains stalled at the High Court after the Supreme Court transferred two judges on the five-judge-panel to a newly created branch in the south.

Lawyers concerned over Nazim’s health, delays in Imran’s trial

Husnu Suood, who represents Nazim and Imran, said doctors suspect damage to Nazim’s kidneys and have recommended that he should be kept in a stress-free or home environment to undergo heart tests. Imran’s terrorism trial remains stalled due to a construction of a new hall at the criminal court, he said.

Ex defence minister’s appeal underway

Nazim ordered to return after treatment in Singapore

Jailed ex-minister Nazim to travel abroad for treatment