Reference No: 64/5/2012

6 June 2012

MDP condemns the publication of one-sided report by CONI. Calls it a blatant attempt to conceal the truth by pre-empting an impartial inquiry

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) today condemned the publication of the report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) on the pretext of seeking public opinion on the work of the Commission. The MDP also takes note that this is a version of events that has been issued before President Nasheed or any MDP member has been able to give their testimonies to a Commission that has been reconstituted according to CMAG’s recommendation.

The CoNI today published on their website a 44-page report calling it a timeline of events covering 14 January to 7 February, and inviting public comments on the report.

MDP Spokesperson Hamid Abdul Gafoor described the publication as incomplete, biased and a blatant attempt to conceal the truth by pre-empting the imminent impartial inquiry.

“It is unacceptable that a committee that has been discredited by the civil society, members of the public and the international community should proceed to make public its findings, ahead of the commencement of the work of a restructured commission,” said Hamid Abdul Gafoor. “It is incomplete, biased and reveals the malicious intent of the Commission,” he added.

The publication was made shortly after the government announced that it would change the composition of the CONI to include a nominee by President Nasheed as well as appoint as co-chair a judge from a Commonwealth member country.

The agreement for a restructured Commission was brokered by Sir Donald Mackinnon, the Special Envoy of the Commonwealth just two days ago.

“The publication of the findings of the CONI is blatant attempt by the government to pervert the course of justice. This is in flagrant disregard for the appeals of the international community, including the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group which had demanded that the composition of the Committee be changed to make it impartial, independent, credible and more broadly acceptable,” added Hamid Abdul Gafoor.

He further said:

“This conduct by the current Commission is further confirmation that the real mandate of this Commission is to conceal the truth and absolve the perpetrators of the coup from guilt.”

The Maldivian Democratic Party remains steadfast in its commitment to restore democracy.

ENDS

Hamid Abdul Ghafoor
Spokesperson, International Affairs

Mobile: +9607778285
Tel: +9603340044