Monday, October 6, 2008

DRP to take Head of MDP Parliamentary Group Hassan Afeef to court

Male, Maldives — Legal Consultant to the Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP) Mohamed Fizan said at a 1200 press conference held at the Maumoon 2008 Media Office today that the DRP will file a defamation suit against the Head of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group Hassan Afeef at the Male civil court today.

Fizan also announced tonight’s ceremony held at the Hiyfaseyha Maizan (aka Artificial Beach) held to inaugurate the beginning of Gayooms 5 dynamic years at 2100hrs tonight. He said that the show will include live performances by local bands as well as other colorful events.

Lies

Fizan said that the defamation suit is being filed in connection with comments Afeef had made at an MDP meeting on 19 Septemer 2008 accusing Gayoom of embezzling USD 80 million in tsunami funds and also of depositing USD 40 million in tsunami aid from the Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani into Gayoom’s personal account.

Fizan said Afeef’s claims are without proof or basis and that he had slandered Gayoom in a public forum.

In response to a question from the media, Fizan said that action will be filed against MDP acting President Ibrahim Hussein Zaki for the same reason. He did not say when the suit against Zaki will be filed.

Justice

Fizan said that now that the judiciary is independent following separation of powers with the ratification of the 2008 Constitution, there is nothing to prevent the DRP from obtaining justice for the party and its members.

Until 7 August 2008 when President Gayoom ratified the new Constitution, the Maldivian judiciary was administered by the Ministry for Justice.

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