Home Minister Umar Naseer responds to demands of opposition – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) by refusing to release former President Mohamed Nasheed or any other political detainees.
Home Minister Umar Naseer speaking in an interview with national television channel – Television Maldives (TVM) said Nasheed had been sentenced by a court of law and the only option for the ex-president was to prove his innocence in court.
In response for second demand of the oppostion، umar spoke stressing that the government had no authority to intervene in the matters of the judiciary. “It has nothing to do with the government. The government will enforce and abide by the rulings of the courts،” Umar added.
The opposition also demands to conduct an independent and impartial probe into the murder of former Ungoofaaru MP Dr Afrasheem Ali and missing journalist Ahmed Rilwan، to which umar comments saying “We’re continuing the investigations to the best of our ability. We’re not doing it because of any demands. We’re doing it because the laws necessitates the government to do so،”
Opposition called on president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to ensure swift reform of state institutions and immediate dialog with all political parties to eliminate corruption. To which Umar said the government has always welcomed all political parties to engage in positive and constructive dialog in matters of national interest، And that the opportunity for an open dialogue was still open، as said previously.
Though the government openly dismissed the demands set out by the opposition party، MDP confirms that they will still continue their protest till 17:23 hours of Monday، 29th of November.