JSC to decide Nihan’s fate after appeal

Judicial Services Commission (JSC) has said that they would make a decision regarding A. Dh. Maamingili Chief Magistrate Ahmed Nihan – sentenced to prison after being found guilty of issuing a bogus court order to arrest President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom – after the end of appeal process.

He was suspended by JSC after his arrest, and a decision on what to do – whether to remove his from the position of Chief Magistrate – still remains to be made.

Nihan was sentenced to 17 years in prison by Criminal Court on June 10.

JSC Media Official Hassan Zaheen spoke to “Sun” on Tuesday, and said that Nihan was still under suspension. And that a final decision would be made after the end of appeal process “as the verdict may change during appeal process”.

Criminal Court said that whether or not Nihan was guilty of trying to unlawfully arrest the President, it was proven through witness testimony that he had opened the court in violation of normal practice on the night of February 6, and invited people into the courthouse. And used the court laptop with former Prosecutor General Muhuthaz Muhsin besides him.

Criminal Court ruled that it was proven through witness testimony and evidence that Nihan was guilty of trying to exude influence over the state, trying to create fear in the community and to hide President Yameen using force, or to kidnap him.

Nihan has appealed the verdict with High Court.

He was suspended by JSC on June 9.