No evidence against Zaya; charges brought without sufficient proof: Nasheed

Former President and MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed has stated that the charges filed by the state against Fatimath Zahiyya (Zaya), the Councilor for the Hulhumalé North constituency, are politically motivated and lack any supporting evidence.

President Nasheed made these remarks during an interview with RaajjeTV while at the Criminal Court premises.

President Nasheed stated that the charges currently being brought against certain individuals are politically motivated and aimed at achieving specific political objectives. Noting that such prosecutions were frequently witnessed between 2005 and 2008, he recalled the previous legal challenges faced by Ziyad (Ziyatte).

Commenting on the charges against Zaya, Nasheed stated that while she is accused of obstructing police duties, it remains unclear which specific officer was allegedly obstructed. He further noted that the testimonies provided by the police in court do not align with the available visual evidence. President Nasheed alleged that the Prosecutor General filed these charges without obtaining sufficient evidence.

For instance, the charges against Zaya allege that she obstructed police officers. However, which specific officers were obstructed? The testimony provided by the police here does not align with the available visual evidence and other facts of the case. It appears to me that the Prosecutor General filed these charges without obtaining the necessary or sufficient evidence. In reality, there is no evidence at all. When there is a lack of genuine evidence, the only alternative is to resort to fabrication.

Former President and MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed

Nasheed stated that there is no evidence against Zaya, and warned that in the absence of proof, the next step would likely be the fabrication of evidence. He described such injustices as a significant blow to the Maldives' judicial system.

President Nasheed further stated that these charges are unnecessary for the state to pursue and offer no benefit to the Maldivian people or the nation. Consequently, he expressed his strong hope that the state would withdraw the charges.

Zaya has been charged by the state with intentional obstruction of a law enforcement officer. The charges were brought under Section 532(b), with reference to Section 532(a) of the Maldives Penal Code. A total of eight individuals have been charged in connection with this case, including Zaya and the Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir.