Ameen Faisal denies arbitrary detention of Yameen

Former Minister of Defense, Ameen Faisal has denied arbitrary detention of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom when he had been a parliamentarian during President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration.

During the hearing held at Criminal Court this Tuesday, Ameen Faisal’s attorney, Abdulla Haseen said his client had not committed any act of terror alleged in the charge and therefore denied the charge against him.

Abdulla Haseen said he had received documents pertaining to the case just this Tuesday, and needed more time to properly address the charge.

The judge gave the defense 15 days to prepare their case, and said the defense needed to properly address the charge in detail in the next hearing which is scheduled, after which both sides needed to submit evidence.

Reading the charge against Ameen Faisal, the State prosecutor said that he, the Minister of Defense at the time, took Yameen – who was the Mulaku MP at the time – under the custody of Maldivian National Defense Force at approximately 1:45 am on July 14, 2010, against his will and in violation of his liberty under the ruse of protection.

She said Yameen was then kept under detention in the island of Aarah until July 23.

Ameen Faisal was charged in reference to Article 2 (a) and 6 (b) of the old Anti-Terrorism Act.

Ameen Faisal’s attorney, Abdulla Haseen told the judge his client was a heart patient and that treatment for his condition wasn’t available from Maldives.

Abdulla Haseen asked that Ameen Faisal be allowed travel out of Maldives for his treatment, and said medical documents had already been submitted to the court.

The judge said he will announce his decision regarding the request after considering the administrative aspects of the issue.

The defense had made the same request during the hearing held on December 29.