Shafeeg convicted of libeling Gayoom

Civil Court has found Ahmed Shafeeg of H. Shafeeguge guilty of libeling former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, and ordered him to pay MVR5,000 in compensation.

Gayoom accused Shafeeg of libel following the mention in Shafeeg’s book ‘One day in the life of Ahmed Shafeeg’, that Gayoom had killed 111 persons in prison during his presidency.

Details of the accusations include that the book, released on 10 October 2010, was published illegally, and that it included untrue and defamatory information which impeded Gayoom’s right to privacy and public welfare activities.

The verdict delivered today details that Shafeeg had not been present in Court for this trial despite being given several opportunities to present his defence. The Court thus found him guilty of the accusations and ordered him to pay MVR5,000 in compensation to Civil Court within one month.

The Court had earlier announced that the verdict will be issued in Shafeeg’s absence if he fails to be present in Court.