The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leader and the former President Mohamed Nasheed has stated he needs a verdict if the hearings are proceeding without defence lawyers،
Ex-President Nasheed made the statement during his hearing held at the Criminal Court on Monday.
He repeatedly requested he needed a defence attorney after presenting of each evidence. “I request for the assistance of a lawyer.”
The State lawyers stated they have no objections for allowing Nasheed to appoint a defence attorney، for which the presiding bench replied they have given the opportunity for Nasheed to appoint defence attorneys، and that the opportunity still remains.
The presiding bench further stated ‘there is no reason why the trial cannot proceed’.
Reportedly، the Police had requested Nasheed to appoint a lawyer and given him the chance to do so. However، Police submitted a letter to the Criminal Court stating Nasheed refused.
Meanwhile، the legal team of Ex-President Nasheed withdrew from the case stating they believe they are not given enough time for case evaluation and a solid ground to provide legal assistance to Nasheed.
Nasheed is pressed with terrorism charges by the State، for the unlawful detaining and isolating of the Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla ‘Gaazee’ Mohamed in 2012.