Adhaalath Party Deputy Leader and Spokesperson, Ali Zahir has stated that Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shainee is a sacrificial lamb for the Government.

Speaking in Raajje TV’s “Fala Suruhee” program, Ali Zahir, who also is part of former Defense Minister Colonel Rtd Mohamed Nazim’s legal team, said that Shainee’s statements were not befitting his Ministerial rank. He described Dr. Shainee as a sacrificial lamb for the Government.

Dr. Shainee had strongly defended the Government’s decision against the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s orders to release the former Minister. Ali Zahir said that Dr. Shainee’s impassioned defense of the Government proves that he was not capable of his Ministerial position.

He said that Minister Shainee’s defense was devoid of substance.

Noting that UNWGAD had also raised questions on Nazim’s trial, Ali Zahir said the claims made by the Government have to be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Speaking in state media, Dr. Shainee said the Group’s decision was an attempt to coerce the Constitution. He said the Group had not taken into account the status of the nation, adding that it was unacceptable that the Group wanted to visit Maldives after announcing their verdict. Dr. Shainee also criticized former Presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed for their calls to free Nazim, noting that it was quite disrespectful.