CP Riyaz files case against Nasheed demanding MVR 3.7 million in compensation

Commissioner of Police Abdulla Riyaz has filed a case in Civil Court against former president Mohamed Nasheed, accusing him of making defamatory remarks and demanding a compensation of MVR 3,750,000 in damages.

Presenting the case to the court today, Riyaz’s attorney Areef Ahmed Naseem said that former President Mohamed Nasheed had made defamatory remarks directed at Riyaz by calling him a “baaghee” (dhivehi word for someone who instigates a coup d'état) on the night after the Commission of National Inquiry report was released, and that this has caused difficulties for CP Riyaz in carrying out his official duties.

Lawyer Areef Ahmed Naseem added that Riyaz had to increased security at his home in fear of the safety of his family.

Hisaan Hussain, the lawyer representing former president Nasheed said that Riyaz has not presented the details of the damages, and that Riyaz should be able to prove that damages were caused.

The Civil Court judge presiding over the case adjourned today’s session after allowing Nasheed’s lawyer to present Nasheed's argument to the court in writing.

Defence Minister Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim has also filed a defamation case against former president Nasheed demanding a sum of MVR 3.7 in damages.

Speaking at a rally held in Usfasgandu on the day after the CoNI report was released, former president Nasheed had said that he still holds allegations against Defence Minister Nazim and Commissioner of Police Abdualla Riyaz for staging a coup d'état and thus, will continue to call them ‘baaghee.’