Maldives former defence minister's family appeals to int'l community for fair trial

Family of former Malidves Defence Minister on Tuesday appealed to the international community to mediate with the Maldives government to ensure a fair trail.

The two daughters of former Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim told reporters in Colombo that their father had been jailed for a month on charges that have not been proved through forensic evidence. They also insisted that given the progress of events, they have no confidence in a free and fair trial in the Maldives and appealed to the international community to "mediate" with the Maldives government to ensure a fair trail.

Describing the former minister as a "loyal" man with "integrity, " the family insisted the charges of possessing unauthorized weapons was a"trumphed up" charge. "This trial is clearly motivated. Our father was gaining popularity both in the country and within the party. Therefore it is very clear to us that this is a politically motivated detention. We are here to appeal to our friend in the international community to assist us in obtaining a free and fair trial because we are confident that the law is on our side,"Nazim's eldest daughter Vuly Nazim told reporters.

She added that the family had appealed for a public hearing, even going so far as to offer to bear costs and requested for an independent forensic expert but had been denied by the court. Nazim's daughter also pointed out that it was suspected that the same panel of judges trying former President Mohammad Nasheed was also presiding over the trial of Nazim and both hearings were proceeding at"firecracker"pace.

Nazim's family together with other members of the opposition charged that Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb is behind the arrest of the former defence minister.

In the early hours of Jan. 18, Nazim's home was raided by the Maldives police during which it is alleged that officers found a pistol and three rounds of ammunition. Police later told media the bag had also contained a pen drive linking Nazim to a possible coup, charges that have been denied by Nazim's lawyers and family.

Several weeks later, Maldives former President Mohammad Nasheed was also arrested and presented in court on alleged terrorism charges. The two trials have garnered much attention from the international community that has called on the Maldives government to ensure an open environment for a fair trial. The controversy also pushed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel a planned visit to the Maldives initially scheduled for next week.