| by Muizzu Ibrahim
Former President Nasheed greets
his supporters: Nasheed has been sued for MVR3 million in damages for
defamation. FILE PHOTO
( October 8, 2012, Male, Sri Lanka
Guardian) Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim is seeking over MVR3 million in
damages for defamation against former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Nazim had filed the lawsuit
against Nasheed under the Compensation for Defamation Regulation, claiming that
Nasheed had called him a “traitor” while speaking at the Usfasgandu after the
release of the final report by the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) which
had ruled that the change in government on February 7 had been constitutional.
Former Youth Minister Hassan
Latheef who is a member of Nasheed’s legal team attended court on behalf of the
ex-President after the Civil Court had warned to conclude the case in absentia
if Nasheed failed to turn up in court.
During today’s trial Nazim’s
lawyer had said that Nasheed had undermined the esteem and respect of the
present defence minister Nazim by labeling him as a “traitor.” The lawyer
further said that as a result of Nasheed’s statement, people had gathered
outside Nazim’s residence and shouted profanity which had emotionally affected
the plaintiff’s family. Hence, Nazim was seeking MVR3.75 million in damages,
lawyer added.
Hassan Latheef said Nasheed pleads
not guilty to the charges and expressed wishes to present evidence to prove
that Nasheed’s statement had been justified. He had further requested for an
opportunity to present the defence.
Before concluding today’s
hearing, the Judge presiding over the case had scheduled the next hearing for
the following Thursday.
Police Commission Abdulla Riyaz
had also filed a case against the former President for the same reason.
Meanwhile, Police today took
Nasheed into custody to produce him in court to face charges over the
unconstitutional arrest of the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court Abdulla
Mohamed which is scheduled for tomorrow.
