Monday, June 8, 2009

Dr. Shaheed sues Umar Naseer


Legal redressal for defamation is a necessary evil, as Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed would tell you. He has on Sunday filed a civil lawsuit against Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) leader Umar Naseer to recover Rf. 57,898,477 from him for alleged defamation.

Such lawsuits are the downside of unfettered freedom of expression, which in recent years has caused irreparable damage to the reputations of respected public figures. Something had to be done about it. As Shaheed's lawyer Dr. Mohamed Jameel said, one hopes this case will set a legal precedence that would be a deterrent to anyone tempted to make unsubstantiated accusations against opponents. Miadhu Daily quotes Dr. Jameel as saying, "We have to make people who make such allegations answerable and accountable. There are certain limits and boundaries stipulated in the new Constitution for freedom of expression."

Explaining how the figure of 57,898,477 was calculated Jameel said the amount included his fees as well as reparation for damages to Shaheed and his family's reputation and his future career prospects. He said this is how such are calculations are made in other countries too.

Miadhu Daily reports that Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) in early March alleged that senior government officials, including foreign minister Dr. Shaheed, accepted US $ 2 million in bribes to recognize Kosovo independence. The bribe was allegedly from Behgjet Pacolli, the leader of New Kosovo Alliance (NKA).

13 comments:

chakoi said...

where is the out come of Maldives Police & FBI investigation? I think Omar is also have a very concrete evidence against DR.
Lets see how the judiciary is prepared for such a suite. Thanks

Anonymous said...

What's happening to cases filed by fromer president against Hussain Rasheed and Afeef?

Anonymous said...

Today you may boo or ridicule Umar. But he has done more than most politicians to promote democracy. He has never sold his soul. he has not changed his principles. And he is brave enough to stand alone.

Anonymous said...

Actions speak louder than words. Most people in Maldives knows the kind of person Dr. Shaheed is. He will go wherever fake status and real money is. Thats him. pity him filing for defamation case, most maldivians need to pay him in that case.
Umar is a real hero who has emerged from this.

Anonymous said...

What about the numerous allegations by Jameel?

Would these be investigated too..

Anonymous said...

we have to obey and respect rule of law. police investigation showed their is no such misdemeanours in accepting Kosovos Indipenedence. Well politicians are always fried in the pan and Dr Shaheed is no exception. I think Umar has made a fool himself in the political Arena, and his overwhelming stunts is a big joke. Dr Shaheed on the other hand is a wise politician.
False allegations are always and will always be made in political arena, but if the victim is offered a public apology it would go more peacefully.
pls update us on the case of Maumoon and Husain Rasheed.

Anonymous said...

Some desperate people who wants to remain in the spot light.

Umar Naseer is a psychopath. A pity Maldivians can relate to him. But i'm not surprised.

Anonymous said...

Jameel and Shaheed are not very good in Math and Accounting. That is why this ridiculous figure. This is third world country, Maldives. Not the US.

Anonymous said...

I applaud Umar. Keep exposing corruption, Umar.

Anonymous said...

Umar talks sense. He speaks the truth. You can't silence him.

Anonymous said...

It was not necessarily Doc who took the bribe.Umar did not say Doc took it. And knowing Doc , I doubt he took the money. But let us investigate Kerefaa Naseem and Zaki. Did they meet Paccoli? These two are capable.

Anonymous said...

Umar is basically a good person, but he made this one MISTAKE!

He should have offered an apology to Dr.Shaheed instead of ruining hi sown life.

How can he pay even close to this if the verdic is against him?

But on teh other hand I believe this is an eye opener to all us Maldivians, to watch our tongue!

It's ok to criticise others but this is clearly a case of defamation, and I think by now Umar Naseer has come to grasp the horror of it.

Anonymous said...

Shaheed and jameel want to get rich. no way. no judge will award this ridiculous sum