Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shainee has said that it was unacceptable that two former Presidents had called for the release of former Defense Minister Mohamed Nazim, adding that such calls only sought to undermine independence, justice system and the Constitution.

Addressing the verdict issued by UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on the former Defense Minister, Dr. Shainee said that the three legal procedures on the case had been concluded formally. Noting the verdict only sought to overpower the Constitution, Dr. Shainee said the Group had failed to take into account the current status of the nation. He also said the Group had taken a very narrow and limited look into the case, adding that this was unacceptable.

Dr. Shainee added that it was disrespectful to the public that former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Maumoon had called for Nazim’s release.

Shainee added the Group had released similar rulings on other nations, but said the Government was under no legal obligation to abide by it as it was merely a recommendation.

Following the Group’s verdict, many had been calling for Nazim’s immediate release.