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Maldives former defense minister arrested

Xinhua, February 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

Maldives former defense minister has been arrested on charges of possessing illegal weapons which he has denied, local media reported Tuesday.

Mohamed Nazim's lawyer has said police told him his client was being charged with offences related to activities against the state, while his arrest form described the charges as terrorism and possession of illegal items.

The charges carry a potential sentence of seven to 10 years, explained lawyer Maumoon Hameed, adding that his client was taken last night to Dhoonidhoo detention center. "We would be able to prove at the remand hearing that Nazim should not have been arrested and that he is not guilty of any accusations," he told local media outlet Minivan News.

Special Operations officers raided Nazim's home in the early hours of Jan. 18, with police later saying they had found dangerous weapons including a pistol and an explosive device during the search. "Wish to inform all well-wishers I've been taken to police custody tonight. Allah almighty will give me justice," Nazim tweeted on Monday night. Police have maintained they were unaware that the home belonged to the former defence minister prior to the raid. Endi