Head of the Virgin Empire, multi-billionaire Sir Richard Branson has expressed concern regarding the arrest of former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Richard Branson in a tweet stated that the arrest of Former President Mohamed Nasheed is very disturbing. He said that the government should act democratically if they want people to visit Maldives.
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) stated that the international community is monitoring the developments of Maldives very closely. The party stated that the politically motivated arrest of Nasheed will cause unrest in the country and will have a negative effect on the tourism industry as stated by Branson.
Nasheed was arrested by the Maldives Police Service on 22nd February 2015 at approximately 2.30 pm at his private home.
The arrest warrant issued by the Maldives Criminal Court was signed by Judge Abdul Bari Yoosuf on 22nd February at 12:30 pm.
The arrest warrant stated, “reason for arrest: above mentioned person (Mohamed Nasheed) may not attend court hearings regarding terrorism charges filed by the State and that he may flee”
The warrant also stated “evidence to support arrest: What transpired during court proceedings at Hulhumale Magistrate court and police intelligence report.”