Former Minister of Defence and National Security Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim has been taken into Police custody tonight.
Former Minister Nazim was taken into Police custody while he was at his wife’s private apartment at G. Enif at around 01:10 tonight.
Nazim was reportedly taken to the jetty in a Police vehicle. Prior to getting into the vehicle، Nazim greeted the people gathered، without any hint of trouble، the reporters say.
Reportedly، the former Minister was then taken to Dhoonidhoo on a speedboat.
I would like to inform all my well wishers.i hv left #ppm today but will be committed to work with u for a better & secure #Maldives
— Mohamed Nazim (@nazim7878) February 9، 2015
Minister Nazim published a tweet following his arrest saying that he “left PPM، but will be committed to work for a better and secure nation”.
After Nazim was taken by the speedboat، an unrest was created at Jumhooree Maidhaan (Republic Square) between Nazim’s supporters and pro-Government activists. An eyewitness at the scene said two individuals were arrested following the unrest.
Nazim’s lawyer Maumoon Hameed on an interview with VTV said it is questionable that Nazim was arrested after his case was sent for prosecution. “The procedure was against all the fundamental rules we believe in. If the investigation is concluded soon، the details should be disclosed. Each citizen is curious considering the magnitude of the matter”، Maumoon said.
“Although it is an allegation، there are no solid evidence to prove Nazim is guilty”، Maumoon further said.
After concluding the investigation، Nazim’s case was sent for prosecution on Monday. However the charges to be pressed against him remain undisclosed.
Minister Nazim was dismissed from his position following the alleged discovery of dangerous weaponry at his private residence، during a Police raid on 18 January 2015.