No soldier dismissed for political views, says MNDF
However, the army did not give the exact reason for Hassan Zihan's dismissal.
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By
Ahmed Mizyal
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) on Thursday denied reports on social media and some newspapers that some soldiers are being dismissed from their jobs because of their political ideology.
Hassan Zihan has been dismissed from the army, some newspapers reported on Thursday. According to the reports, he is a naval architect of the MNDF.
The reason for his dismissal is unknown, but he has been making posts on social media accusing the government since his dismissal. He has been accusing India of having influence over the MNDF.
The MNDF in a statement denied the reports and said that no action has been taken against any soldier outside the military justice system introduced on 3 November 2021.
With the introduction of the system, cases filed with the military police are examined and investigated and referred to the Military Justice Council, which decides the cases by giving the soldier the opportunity to answer and provide legal assistance and defense if needed.
In addition, the MNDF said:
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The respondent also has the right to appeal the decisions of the Military Justice Council to the Military Justice Appeal Council
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As a last resort, the respondent has the opportunity to apply to the Minister for a review of the decision of the Military Justice Appeal Council
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Within this system, the investigators and the councils deciding the cases have been given the discretion to make decisions based on evidence independently and fairly without any bias
"Therefore, as the military justice system is now in place, no one has any opportunity to take action against a soldier in any other way. No action is being taken against any soldier outside this system," MNDF said.
The army has urged not to spread false news that encourages heresy, noting that soldiers should fully abide by laws and regulations, keep their actions in line with the Army Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct and stick to good military ethics.
However, the army did not give the reason for Hassan Zihan's dismissal.
