The order to detain the criminal court chief judge Abdulla Mohamed was commanded by the then MNDF Male’ Area Commander Brigadier General Rtd. Ibrahim Mohamed Didi، who was ordered by the then president Mohamed Nasheed، former MNDF Colonel Mohamed Ziyad stated in the Criminal Court.
Ziyad denied his charges again، in the hearing held at the Criminal Court today.
The defence attorneys of Ziyad raised several questions during the hearing; based on investigations of which authorities Ziyad is being tried for، what is the accused crime of Ziyad and the difference between the commander and staffs in an operation.
The court replied that Ziyad is being tried following the investigations concluded by Human Rights Commission of Maldives and Police and the terrorism charges were pressed against Ziyad as per Article 2(b) of Prevention of Terrorism Act – The act or the intention of kidnapping or abduction of person(s) or of taking hostage(s). The court further stated everyone involved in a crime، whether it is planning or following، every one will be seen equal in front of the Law and Order.
Ziyad stated during the hearing the order to detain Abdulla Gaazee was commanded saying the Judge was a threat to the national security and the command was given by higher ranked officers than him. He said he was not authorized to issue any commands himself.
He further stated that the order to detain Judge Abdulla was given by the then MNDF Male’ Area Commander Brigadier General Rtd. Ibrahim Mohamed Didi، who was instructed to do so by the then President Mohamed Nasheed.
However، Ziyad stated he did not hear the then President Nasheed ordering Didi to carry out the operation.