Yakub Memon Doesn't Deserve to Hang, Wrote Top Intel Officer
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NEW DELHI: Unless a last-minute appeal from Yakub Memon is accepted by the Supreme Court, he is likely to be hanged next week for financing and helping plan the serial blasts in Mumbai which killed 257 people in 1993.
One of India's most-respected counter-terror officers, B Raman, who led the operation to bring Memon back to India from Pakistan in 1994, wrote several years ago that he did not believe that Memon deserved to hang. His previously unpublished article has been run today by news website rediff.com.
Memon, 53, has spent over two decades in jail, and has said repeatedly in court that he was unaware of the conspiracy to attack Mumbai that was reportedly masterminded by his brother, Tiger, and Dawood Ibrahim, who have been on the run since 1993.
Of the 11 people convicted for the terror attack in Mumbai, Memon alone has been given the death sentence. Intel officers have told NDTV that it cannot be denied that Memon cooperated with investigating agencies, and played a key role in the return of other members of his family from Pakistan. Two of his brothers have been sentenced to life in prison for the Mumbai attacks.
In 2007, after Memon was sentenced to death by a Mumbai court, B Raman, who died in 2013, shared these thoughts for rediff.com: "I decided to write this in the belief that it is important to prevent a person, who in my view does not deserve to be hanged, from going to the gallows," said Mr Raman, who served as the head of the counter-terror arm of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) when Memon was located and put on trial.
He goes on to say, "The cooperation of Yakub with the investigating agencies after he was picked up informally in Kathmandu and his role in persuading some other members of the family to come out of Pakistan and surrender Constitute, in my view, a strong mitigating circumstance to be taken into consideration while considering whether the death penalty should be implemented."
Mr Raman says Memon, who had been living in Karachi with other members of his family watched over by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, had gone to Nepal to consult with a lawyer about whether to surrender. He was reportedly advised against that, and was about to fly back to Karachi, when he was spotted by the Nepal police. Mr Raman says Memon was then driven across the border, flown to Delhi by a special aircraft, and then arrested in the capital. "The entire operation was coordinated by me," Mr Raman recalls.
Mr Raman is careful to stress "There is not an iota of doubt about the involvement of Yakub and other members of the family in the conspiracy" but he says that Memon's cooperation with the investigation merit "having second thoughts about the suitability of the death penalty."
NEW DELHI: Unless a last-minute appeal from Yakub Memon is accepted by the Supreme Court, he is likely to be hanged next week for financing and helping plan the serial blasts in Mumbai which killed 257 people in 1993.One of India's most-respected counter-terror officers, B Raman, who led the operation to bring Memon back to India from Pakistan in 1994, wrote several years ago that he did not believe that Memon deserved to hang. His previously unpublished article has been run today by news website rediff.com.
Memon, 53, has spent over two decades in jail, and has said repeatedly in court that he was unaware of the conspiracy to attack Mumbai that was reportedly masterminded by his brother, Tiger, and Dawood Ibrahim, who have been on the run since 1993.
Of the 11 people convicted for the terror attack in Mumbai, Memon alone has been given the death sentence. Intel officers have told NDTV that it cannot be denied that Memon cooperated with investigating agencies, and played a key role in the return of other members of his family from Pakistan. Two of his brothers have been sentenced to life in prison for the Mumbai attacks.
In 2007, after Memon was sentenced to death by a Mumbai court, B Raman, who died in 2013, shared these thoughts for rediff.com: "I decided to write this in the belief that it is important to prevent a person, who in my view does not deserve to be hanged, from going to the gallows," said Mr Raman, who served as the head of the counter-terror arm of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) when Memon was located and put on trial.
He goes on to say, "The cooperation of Yakub with the investigating agencies after he was picked up informally in Kathmandu and his role in persuading some other members of the family to come out of Pakistan and surrender Constitute, in my view, a strong mitigating circumstance to be taken into consideration while considering whether the death penalty should be implemented."
Mr Raman says Memon, who had been living in Karachi with other members of his family watched over by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, had gone to Nepal to consult with a lawyer about whether to surrender. He was reportedly advised against that, and was about to fly back to Karachi, when he was spotted by the Nepal police. Mr Raman says Memon was then driven across the border, flown to Delhi by a special aircraft, and then arrested in the capital. "The entire operation was coordinated by me," Mr Raman recalls.
Mr Raman is careful to stress "There is not an iota of doubt about the involvement of Yakub and other members of the family in the conspiracy" but he says that Memon's cooperation with the investigation merit "having second thoughts about the suitability of the death penalty."
As BJP Protests at Parliament, a Question: 'Are They Appealing to Obama?'
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NEW DELHI: As BJP MPs today sat on a protest outside Parliament - against protests inside it - rivals took potshots at the ruling party.
BJP leaders held up placards criticizing the Congress and targeting its leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi over alleged corruption while shouting slogans.
"Stop disrupting Parliament," shouted the parliamentarians.
To which, an opposition member said: "Their protest is against our protest. Is it the government's job to protest or to solve problems?"
The Congress has said there will be no discussion in Parliament without the resignation of BJP leaders linked to the Lalit Modi and Vyapam controversies - Sushma Swaraj, Vasundhara Raje and Shivraj Chouhan.
"Today something remarkable has happened, the almighty of this country...which has powers under the Constitution, is sitting on a dharna," quipped Janata Dal United leader Sharad Yadav.
"They are supposed to run the house, instead they are sitting on protest. Who are they making demands to?" Mr Yadav questioned as he spoke to NDTV.
Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Kumar Vishwas, who is a satirist, had a guess. "The government is sitting on a dharna outside Parliament. Maybe their demand is to (US President) Obama," he tweeted.
Several opposition parliamentarians jeered at the sight of ruling MPs sitting in a large group near the Mahatma Gandhi statue, where protests are a common sight. Mayawati, the chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party, said: "Rather that hold dharna, demonstrations, the government should take action against people who have violated norms."
Responding to the barbs, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said: "Opposition does not want discussion, so what can we do?"
On Friday, the Lok Sabha was adjourned just four minutes after proceedings began for the day. After a week of disruptions and adjournments, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said: "The House is not a wresting ring. It is a place of discussion."
NEW DELHI: As BJP MPs today sat on a protest outside Parliament - against protests inside it - rivals took potshots at the ruling party.BJP leaders held up placards criticizing the Congress and targeting its leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi over alleged corruption while shouting slogans.
"Stop disrupting Parliament," shouted the parliamentarians.
To which, an opposition member said: "Their protest is against our protest. Is it the government's job to protest or to solve problems?"
The Congress has said there will be no discussion in Parliament without the resignation of BJP leaders linked to the Lalit Modi and Vyapam controversies - Sushma Swaraj, Vasundhara Raje and Shivraj Chouhan.
"Today something remarkable has happened, the almighty of this country...which has powers under the Constitution, is sitting on a dharna," quipped Janata Dal United leader Sharad Yadav.
"They are supposed to run the house, instead they are sitting on protest. Who are they making demands to?" Mr Yadav questioned as he spoke to NDTV.
Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Kumar Vishwas, who is a satirist, had a guess. "The government is sitting on a dharna outside Parliament. Maybe their demand is to (US President) Obama," he tweeted.
Several opposition parliamentarians jeered at the sight of ruling MPs sitting in a large group near the Mahatma Gandhi statue, where protests are a common sight. Mayawati, the chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party, said: "Rather that hold dharna, demonstrations, the government should take action against people who have violated norms."
Responding to the barbs, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said: "Opposition does not want discussion, so what can we do?"
On Friday, the Lok Sabha was adjourned just four minutes after proceedings began for the day. After a week of disruptions and adjournments, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said: "The House is not a wresting ring. It is a place of discussion."
Want People at TERI To Work Without Worrying, Says New Chief
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NEW DELHI: Ajay Mathur, who has replaced RK Pachauri as the new chief of The Energy Research Institute or TERI, has said that ensuring that employees can work without worry about "other issues" will be his priority.
Dr Pachauri, who has been accused of sexually harassing a young colleague, was removed yesterday as chief of the non-profit think he founded.
"TERI is a great institution but it needs to be strengthened. The emphasis (will be on) to ensure people can work and deliver without having to worry about other issues," .
"I'll find out what the issues are, talk to people, and see how their concerns can be addressed as effectively as possible," he added.
TERI has faced criticism for not taking action against Dr Pachauri sooner.
A world-famous climate scientist and chief of the UN's top body on climate change for 13 years, Dr Pachauri resigned in February after a researcher said he had sexually harassed her since 2013. Earlier this month, a court allowed him to return to the organization, but said two branches would remain off-limits till the police investigation against him is completed.
In protest, several TERI employees shared their objections with the governing council, in lieu of their original plan to strike work.
The 29-year-old complainant had criticised the governing council for their "silence and inaction".
He was "welcomed back to his office with garlands and flowers, while I am being shunted out of work", she said.
The governing council of TERI includes India Inc luminaries like Naina Lal Kidwai, Kiran Shaw and Deepak Parekh.
"It was a responsible decision to appoint a successor. This will prevent the snowballing of a very controversial issue," .
Dr Pachauri, who has been accused of sexually harassing a young colleague, was removed yesterday as chief of the non-profit think he founded.
"TERI is a great institution but it needs to be strengthened. The emphasis (will be on) to ensure people can work and deliver without having to worry about other issues," .
"I'll find out what the issues are, talk to people, and see how their concerns can be addressed as effectively as possible," he added.
TERI has faced criticism for not taking action against Dr Pachauri sooner.
A world-famous climate scientist and chief of the UN's top body on climate change for 13 years, Dr Pachauri resigned in February after a researcher said he had sexually harassed her since 2013. Earlier this month, a court allowed him to return to the organization, but said two branches would remain off-limits till the police investigation against him is completed.
In protest, several TERI employees shared their objections with the governing council, in lieu of their original plan to strike work.
The 29-year-old complainant had criticised the governing council for their "silence and inaction".
He was "welcomed back to his office with garlands and flowers, while I am being shunted out of work", she said.
The governing council of TERI includes India Inc luminaries like Naina Lal Kidwai, Kiran Shaw and Deepak Parekh.
"It was a responsible decision to appoint a successor. This will prevent the snowballing of a very controversial issue," .
Railways Dedicated Freight Corridor Project to be Completed By 2019
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NEW DELHI: Railways today assured the industry that the ambitious Rs.81,459 cr worth 'Dedicated Freight Corridor' (DFC) project, meant for faster goods movement, will be completed by 2019.
"Prevailing scenario in goods transportation is not very good and everybody wants faster movement. Railways is constructing separate corridors for freight to speed up transportation and it will be completed in time," Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha said here at the Assocham conference.
According to the timeline, work on DFC will be completed in phases between 2017 and 2019.
Highlighting the abysmal speed of freight trains, Mr Sinha said, "Currently goods trains are moving at 25/26 km per hour speed. The speed will go up to 100 km per hour on the DFC which will be beneficial for the industry."
Railways is constructing Eastern Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni (1840 kms) and the Western Corridor from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (1502 kms).
"At the moment work is going on two corridors - East and West. There will be two more corridors and pre-feasibility study is being undertaken for that," Mr Sinha said.
The entire Western Corridor is being funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while the Eastern Corridor from Mughalsarai to Ludhiana is being funded by the World Bank.
Seeking private investment in rail infrastructure, Mr Sinha asked the industry to come forward to participate in capacity augmentation.
"You can invest liberally in rail infrastructure development as railways need big investment," he said.
Referring to the land acquisition, he said "Though acquiring land is becoming a problem, it has almost completed land acquisition for the project."
He also said PMO is regularly monitoring the major infrastructure projects, especially those concerning Railways.
Speaking at the meet, DFC Managing Director Adesh Sharma said the "DFC is the need of the day and no country can progress unless there is a reliable transportation system."
Mr Sharma further said main trunk lines are fully saturated now so there is a need for faster movement of goods.
NEW DELHI: Railways today assured the industry that the ambitious Rs.81,459 cr worth 'Dedicated Freight Corridor' (DFC) project, meant for faster goods movement, will be completed by 2019."Prevailing scenario in goods transportation is not very good and everybody wants faster movement. Railways is constructing separate corridors for freight to speed up transportation and it will be completed in time," Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha said here at the Assocham conference.
According to the timeline, work on DFC will be completed in phases between 2017 and 2019.
Highlighting the abysmal speed of freight trains, Mr Sinha said, "Currently goods trains are moving at 25/26 km per hour speed. The speed will go up to 100 km per hour on the DFC which will be beneficial for the industry."
Railways is constructing Eastern Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni (1840 kms) and the Western Corridor from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (1502 kms).
"At the moment work is going on two corridors - East and West. There will be two more corridors and pre-feasibility study is being undertaken for that," Mr Sinha said.
The entire Western Corridor is being funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while the Eastern Corridor from Mughalsarai to Ludhiana is being funded by the World Bank.
Seeking private investment in rail infrastructure, Mr Sinha asked the industry to come forward to participate in capacity augmentation.
"You can invest liberally in rail infrastructure development as railways need big investment," he said.
Referring to the land acquisition, he said "Though acquiring land is becoming a problem, it has almost completed land acquisition for the project."
He also said PMO is regularly monitoring the major infrastructure projects, especially those concerning Railways.
Speaking at the meet, DFC Managing Director Adesh Sharma said the "DFC is the need of the day and no country can progress unless there is a reliable transportation system."
Mr Sharma further said main trunk lines are fully saturated now so there is a need for faster movement of goods.
India Concerned Over Downward Trend in Mideast Peace Process
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UNITED NATIONS: India has expressed concern over the downward trend in Middle East Peace Process, saying unilateral actions by parties involved are moving them further apart, as it criticised the UN Security Council for being a "standby witness" to the "unsettled issue."
India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asoke Mukerji, participating in a Security Council session on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, said the powerful 15-member UN body has "at best been a standby witness to phases of escalation and relative calm which has become characteristic of this unsettled issue."
"The effectiveness of the Council has consequently been brought into question. We join others in urging the Council to step up its efforts and take the lead in resolving this problem," he said yesterday.
A year after the unfortunate Gaza conflict last year, Mr Mukerji said India is "particularly worried" that since then there has been a downward trend in the peace process despite efforts for serious negotiations between the parties.
"Unilateral actions by the parties unfortunately are moving them further apart. India remains firmly convinced that dialogue remains the only viable option that can effectively address the issue," he said adding that the imperative need is for restraint, to avoid provocation and unilateral actions and to return to the peace process.
"We remain hopeful and urge both sides to resume the peace process soon, for a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue," he said.
Mr Mukerji also voiced "deep concern" with the activities of "proscribed outfits, radicalised and extremist groups" in the Middle East region especially in northern parts of Iraq and Syria which are affecting peace and stability in the region.
Efforts must be taken by all parties and stakeholders in the region to curb the dangerous trends of violence against civilians, he said.
"We believe the consolidation of political processes and solutions while building durable state institutions will be the effective way of addressing such extremism and radicalism in the region," he said.
Mr Mukerji also told the UNSC that India is concerned at instances of targeting of UN peacekeepers in the region by proscribed terrorist groups and stressed that Security Council resolutions that condemn terrorist groups operating in the region need to be fully implemented.
"The early and effective prosecution of such groups is essential. Only such action endorsed by the Council will deter such groups in other parts of the world from committing acts of terror," he said.
UNITED NATIONS: India has expressed concern over the downward trend in Middle East Peace Process, saying unilateral actions by parties involved are moving them further apart, as it criticised the UN Security Council for being a "standby witness" to the "unsettled issue."India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asoke Mukerji, participating in a Security Council session on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, said the powerful 15-member UN body has "at best been a standby witness to phases of escalation and relative calm which has become characteristic of this unsettled issue."
"The effectiveness of the Council has consequently been brought into question. We join others in urging the Council to step up its efforts and take the lead in resolving this problem," he said yesterday.
A year after the unfortunate Gaza conflict last year, Mr Mukerji said India is "particularly worried" that since then there has been a downward trend in the peace process despite efforts for serious negotiations between the parties.
"Unilateral actions by the parties unfortunately are moving them further apart. India remains firmly convinced that dialogue remains the only viable option that can effectively address the issue," he said adding that the imperative need is for restraint, to avoid provocation and unilateral actions and to return to the peace process.
"We remain hopeful and urge both sides to resume the peace process soon, for a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue," he said.
Mr Mukerji also voiced "deep concern" with the activities of "proscribed outfits, radicalised and extremist groups" in the Middle East region especially in northern parts of Iraq and Syria which are affecting peace and stability in the region.
Efforts must be taken by all parties and stakeholders in the region to curb the dangerous trends of violence against civilians, he said.
"We believe the consolidation of political processes and solutions while building durable state institutions will be the effective way of addressing such extremism and radicalism in the region," he said.
Mr Mukerji also told the UNSC that India is concerned at instances of targeting of UN peacekeepers in the region by proscribed terrorist groups and stressed that Security Council resolutions that condemn terrorist groups operating in the region need to be fully implemented.
"The early and effective prosecution of such groups is essential. Only such action endorsed by the Council will deter such groups in other parts of the world from committing acts of terror," he said.
Barack Obama's Thoughts, Prayers With Louisiana Shooting Victims: White House
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WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama's "thoughts and prayers" are with the victims of a shooting at a US cinema that killed two people dead and injured nine others, the White House said on Friday.
Obama was traveling to Kenya late Thursday when he learned about the deadly incident, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement.
"The president received a briefing from Lisa Monaco, his homeland security adviser, on the mass shooting at a movie theater in Louisiana," Earnest's statement said.
"The president directed his team to keep him updated on the investigation and on the status of those injured," the spokesman said.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the White House, including the President and First Lady, are with the community of Lafayette, Louisiana, especially the families of those who were killed."
The statement came a few hours after a gunman opened fire in the crowded theater, shooting two people dead before killing himself.
More than 100 people were in the theater when the gunman began shooting randomly during a screening of the movie "Trainwreck," police said.
Some of the wounded are in critical condition.
WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama's "thoughts and prayers" are with the victims of a shooting at a US cinema that killed two people dead and injured nine others, the White House said on Friday.Obama was traveling to Kenya late Thursday when he learned about the deadly incident, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement.
"The president received a briefing from Lisa Monaco, his homeland security adviser, on the mass shooting at a movie theater in Louisiana," Earnest's statement said.
"The president directed his team to keep him updated on the investigation and on the status of those injured," the spokesman said.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the White House, including the President and First Lady, are with the community of Lafayette, Louisiana, especially the families of those who were killed."
The statement came a few hours after a gunman opened fire in the crowded theater, shooting two people dead before killing himself.
More than 100 people were in the theater when the gunman began shooting randomly during a screening of the movie "Trainwreck," police said.
Some of the wounded are in critical condition.
Pakistan to Buy 8 Submarines From China: Report
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will buy eight submarines from China in a multi-billion dollar deal that will boost Pakistani navy's maritime capabilities, media reported today.
An agreement was reached in Islamabad during a meeting between Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Xu Ziqin, President of state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Limited (SCOC) -- the trade arm of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.
The two sides in-principle agreed on the sale of eight submarines that China will provide to Pakistan Navy, The Express Tribune reported.
Sources in the finance ministry, however, said the deal is subject to final review form higher authorities in Beijing, following which a formal agreement will be signed.
They also said that Pakistan would make payments in four instalments and the delivery will be made in coming years.
According to a vague statement issued by the finance ministry after the meeting, Dar said the visit by the CSOC delegation to Pakistan would strengthen bilateral economic and defence cooperation.
"Pakistan and China have reached an understanding on matters of defence cooperation relating to Pakistan Navy," the statement said.
"Financial arrangements to this effect were also concluded," it added.
The statement quoted Xu thanking Dar for his contribution in concluding the arrangements, saying it was reflective of the "deep-rooted" China-Pakistan friendship.
The reports of submarines deal was in the air since the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan in April.
It was reported then that the contract could be worth USD 4 billion to USD 5 billion, the biggest arms export deal for Communist China.
Pakistan has been negotiating the purchase of submarines from China since 2011. No details were, however, given about the type of the submarines.
But there have been reports that Yuan-class Type-041 diesel-electric submarines were being considered.
The-Type 041 'Yuan' class is described by IHS Jane's Fighting Ships as a diesel electric attack submarine, potentially with stirling air independent propulsion.
Last month, Pakistan and China signed an agreement for construction of six patrol vessels for Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA).
China is Pakistan's biggest supplier of military hardware, which includes battle tanks, naval ships as well as fighter jets. The two jointly manufacture J-17 Thunder warplane.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will buy eight submarines from China in a multi-billion dollar deal that will boost Pakistani navy's maritime capabilities, media reported today.An agreement was reached in Islamabad during a meeting between Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Xu Ziqin, President of state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Limited (SCOC) -- the trade arm of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.
The two sides in-principle agreed on the sale of eight submarines that China will provide to Pakistan Navy, The Express Tribune reported.
Sources in the finance ministry, however, said the deal is subject to final review form higher authorities in Beijing, following which a formal agreement will be signed.
They also said that Pakistan would make payments in four instalments and the delivery will be made in coming years.
According to a vague statement issued by the finance ministry after the meeting, Dar said the visit by the CSOC delegation to Pakistan would strengthen bilateral economic and defence cooperation.
"Pakistan and China have reached an understanding on matters of defence cooperation relating to Pakistan Navy," the statement said.
"Financial arrangements to this effect were also concluded," it added.
The statement quoted Xu thanking Dar for his contribution in concluding the arrangements, saying it was reflective of the "deep-rooted" China-Pakistan friendship.
The reports of submarines deal was in the air since the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan in April.
It was reported then that the contract could be worth USD 4 billion to USD 5 billion, the biggest arms export deal for Communist China.
Pakistan has been negotiating the purchase of submarines from China since 2011. No details were, however, given about the type of the submarines.
But there have been reports that Yuan-class Type-041 diesel-electric submarines were being considered.
The-Type 041 'Yuan' class is described by IHS Jane's Fighting Ships as a diesel electric attack submarine, potentially with stirling air independent propulsion.
Last month, Pakistan and China signed an agreement for construction of six patrol vessels for Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA).
China is Pakistan's biggest supplier of military hardware, which includes battle tanks, naval ships as well as fighter jets. The two jointly manufacture J-17 Thunder warplane.
Maldives to Appeal Ex-President's Conviction: Government
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COLOMBO: The Maldives said today it would appeal the conviction of former president and opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed, who was jailed for 13 years in March after a trial the UN described as "vastly unfair".
"The prosecutor-general of the Maldives has decided to appeal the case of former president Mohamed Nasheed," the government said in a statement.
It cited "procedural irregularities" in his trial, including "the violation of some fundamental rights and inadequate time to prepare his defence".
President Abdulla Yameen has faced a chorus of international criticism over the jailing of Nasheed, the first democratically elected leader of the honeymoon islands, on charges of terrorism.
US Secretary of State John Kerry warned in May that democracy was under threat, saying Nasheed had been "imprisoned without due process" and urging a rethink.
And an international team of lawyers, including London-based human rights lawyer Amal Clooney has petitioned the United Nations over Nasheed's controversial jailing.
The image of the Maldives as an upmarket tourist destination has been dented by political unrest since Nasheed lost power in 2012.
Nasheed, a climate change activist who was imprisoned during the three-decade rule of former strongman Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, became the archipelago's first democratically elected leader in 2008.
He was toppled in February 2012 after a mutiny by police and troops that followed weeks of protests over the arrest of a top judge who had been appointed by Gayoom.
Nasheed had ordered the arrest, which formed the centre-piece of his prosecution.
Yameen, the half brother of Gayoom, controversially beat Nasheed in an election run-off in late 2013 despite trailing in the first round.
In May Nasheed's lawyer filed a petition with the UN arguing his detention was illegal and a violation of international law.
The appeal to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in Geneva came as Nasheed's wife Laila Ali visited Washington to lobby the White House, State Department and Congress.
The Maldives government had always insisted he had received a fair trial.
But last month, Nasheed was moved out of his prison cell and confined to house arrest while he received medical treatment, in what some saw as a possible sign of softening towards him.
"The prosecutor-general of the Maldives has decided to appeal the case of former president Mohamed Nasheed," the government said in a statement.
It cited "procedural irregularities" in his trial, including "the violation of some fundamental rights and inadequate time to prepare his defence".
President Abdulla Yameen has faced a chorus of international criticism over the jailing of Nasheed, the first democratically elected leader of the honeymoon islands, on charges of terrorism.
US Secretary of State John Kerry warned in May that democracy was under threat, saying Nasheed had been "imprisoned without due process" and urging a rethink.
And an international team of lawyers, including London-based human rights lawyer Amal Clooney has petitioned the United Nations over Nasheed's controversial jailing.
The image of the Maldives as an upmarket tourist destination has been dented by political unrest since Nasheed lost power in 2012.
Nasheed, a climate change activist who was imprisoned during the three-decade rule of former strongman Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, became the archipelago's first democratically elected leader in 2008.
He was toppled in February 2012 after a mutiny by police and troops that followed weeks of protests over the arrest of a top judge who had been appointed by Gayoom.
Nasheed had ordered the arrest, which formed the centre-piece of his prosecution.
Yameen, the half brother of Gayoom, controversially beat Nasheed in an election run-off in late 2013 despite trailing in the first round.
In May Nasheed's lawyer filed a petition with the UN arguing his detention was illegal and a violation of international law.
The appeal to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in Geneva came as Nasheed's wife Laila Ali visited Washington to lobby the White House, State Department and Congress.
The Maldives government had always insisted he had received a fair trial.
But last month, Nasheed was moved out of his prison cell and confined to house arrest while he received medical treatment, in what some saw as a possible sign of softening towards him.
Union Government Committees 2014-15
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Dear Readers & Aspirants, We collected some important GOVT Committees in 2014-15 and make it in PDF format. We Hope it will definitely help you for your SBI PO,IBPS,RBI assistant and many more upcoming Exams. All the Best My Dear Aspirants & Readers.
1.Union Government formed a Committee to oversee 125th Bhim Jayanti celebrations–MODI
2.Union Ministry of Finance constituted Committee on Revisiting & Revitalizing PPP Model–Vijay Kelkar
3.Union Government constituted Task Force on Interlinking of Rivers–BN Navalawala
4.Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry committee to simplify clearances —Ajay Shankar
- Union Government constituted SIT to reinvestigate 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases–Pramod Asthana
6.Union Government constituted to suggest a framework to assess CSR activities–Anil Baijal
7.Union Cabinet reconstituted Empowered Committee on setting up of Semiconductor Wafer FAB projects–V K Saraswat
8.Committee recommended single window system for environment projects–Subramanium
9.Union Government set up to examine constitution of SIT on 1984 anti-Sikh riots-Mathur committee
10.Union Finance Ministry constituted High Level Committee to hear industry’s tax issues–Ashok Lahiri
11.Union Government constituted committee to provide Bankruptcy code for SMEs–Vishwanathan
12.Panel submitted its report with guidelines on government ads–Madhava Menon
13.Committee reported most deemed universities not fit for being a university–H Devaraj
14.Union Finance Ministry constituted panel to evaluate unclaimed PPF–H R Khan
15.Bombay High Court set up Committee to conduct forensic audit of NSEL–V V Daga
16.Committee submitted report to Union Home Ministry on AP Capital–Sivaramakrishnan
17.PM set up a committee to identify obsolete laws–Ramanujam
18.Expenditure Management Commission–Bimal Jalan
19.Lok Sabha Speaker formed Parliament security panel–Sumitra Mahajan
20.Union Ministry of HRD set up Committee to review the status of UGC–Hari Gautam
21.Union government decided to appoint Committee to review gas pricing formula–Suresh Prabhu
22.Expert Committee constituted on Cost Records and Cost Audits–R S Sharma
23.Union Health Ministry constituted a core group to eradicate Kala Azar by 2015–Harsh Vardhan
24.IMG constituted to examine potential of GAGAN in Non-Aviation Sectors–Ashok Lavasa
25.Union Government constituted an Expert Committee to formulate National Rubber Policy–Rajani Ranjan Rashm
26.Union Government constituted Committee to inquire gas leakage in Bhilai Steel Plant–KK Mehrotra
27.SC reconstituted SIT headed by to probe into Black Money Cases–Justice MB Shah
28.SC constituted a Panel to give guidelines on government ads showing politicians–P Sathasivam
29.Government constituted an expert committee to study demand for Bodoland state–G K Pillai
30.Union Cabinet approved the setting up Equal Opportunities Commission–Justice Sachar Committee
31.Andaman & Nicobar: Committee to review safety standards of tourist vessels–Gen AK Singh
32.Institutional framework of Prasar Bharti report to Information and Broadcasting Ministry—Pitroda Committee
33.INSPECTION ON haj PILIGRIMS–bilal nazaki
34.Anti -discrimination law for muslims on the lines of sc/st law–Amitab khund
35.IRDA FDI in insurance–suresh mathur
36.pricing on spectrum(TRAI–anil kaushal
37.parthasarthy shome — TARC
38.Arvind mayaram — FII & FDI
39.Kasturi rangan — western ghats report examined by madhav gadgil
40.Mukul mudgal — IPL spot fixing
Dear Readers & Aspirants, We collected some important GOVT Committees in 2014-15 and make it in PDF format. We Hope it will definitely help you for your SBI PO,IBPS,RBI assistant and many more upcoming Exams. All the Best My Dear Aspirants & Readers.
1.Union Government formed a Committee to oversee 125th Bhim Jayanti celebrations–MODI
2.Union Ministry of Finance constituted Committee on Revisiting & Revitalizing PPP Model–Vijay Kelkar
3.Union Government constituted Task Force on Interlinking of Rivers–BN Navalawala
4.Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry committee to simplify clearances —Ajay Shankar
- Union Government constituted SIT to reinvestigate 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases–Pramod Asthana
6.Union Government constituted to suggest a framework to assess CSR activities–Anil Baijal
7.Union Cabinet reconstituted Empowered Committee on setting up of Semiconductor Wafer FAB projects–V K Saraswat
8.Committee recommended single window system for environment projects–Subramanium
9.Union Government set up to examine constitution of SIT on 1984 anti-Sikh riots-Mathur committee
10.Union Finance Ministry constituted High Level Committee to hear industry’s tax issues–Ashok Lahiri
11.Union Government constituted committee to provide Bankruptcy code for SMEs–Vishwanathan
12.Panel submitted its report with guidelines on government ads–Madhava Menon
13.Committee reported most deemed universities not fit for being a university–H Devaraj
14.Union Finance Ministry constituted panel to evaluate unclaimed PPF–H R Khan
15.Bombay High Court set up Committee to conduct forensic audit of NSEL–V V Daga
16.Committee submitted report to Union Home Ministry on AP Capital–Sivaramakrishnan
17.PM set up a committee to identify obsolete laws–Ramanujam
18.Expenditure Management Commission–Bimal Jalan
19.Lok Sabha Speaker formed Parliament security panel–Sumitra Mahajan
20.Union Ministry of HRD set up Committee to review the status of UGC–Hari Gautam
21.Union government decided to appoint Committee to review gas pricing formula–Suresh Prabhu
22.Expert Committee constituted on Cost Records and Cost Audits–R S Sharma
23.Union Health Ministry constituted a core group to eradicate Kala Azar by 2015–Harsh Vardhan
24.IMG constituted to examine potential of GAGAN in Non-Aviation Sectors–Ashok Lavasa
25.Union Government constituted an Expert Committee to formulate National Rubber Policy–Rajani Ranjan Rashm
26.Union Government constituted Committee to inquire gas leakage in Bhilai Steel Plant–KK Mehrotra
27.SC reconstituted SIT headed by to probe into Black Money Cases–Justice MB Shah
28.SC constituted a Panel to give guidelines on government ads showing politicians–P Sathasivam
29.Government constituted an expert committee to study demand for Bodoland state–G K Pillai
30.Union Cabinet approved the setting up Equal Opportunities Commission–Justice Sachar Committee
31.Andaman & Nicobar: Committee to review safety standards of tourist vessels–Gen AK Singh
32.Institutional framework of Prasar Bharti report to Information and Broadcasting Ministry—Pitroda Committee
33.INSPECTION ON haj PILIGRIMS–bilal nazaki
34.Anti -discrimination law for muslims on the lines of sc/st law–Amitab khund
35.IRDA FDI in insurance–suresh mathur
36.pricing on spectrum(TRAI–anil kaushal
37.parthasarthy shome — TARC
38.Arvind mayaram — FII & FDI
39.Kasturi rangan — western ghats report examined by madhav gadgil
40.Mukul mudgal — IPL spot fixing
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