Muaz’s statement came in response to the MDP (Maldivian Democratic Party)’s comments that Nasheed’s appeal at the High Court would affect the talks. While Muaz maintained that judicial proceedings have nothing to do with the government, the MDP claimed that Nasheed’s release is a move to escape international scrutiny. MDP engaged in said talks in order to release Nasheed, other political figures serving sentences, and 1,700 opposition supports with a verdict hanging over their heads. However, after the PG’s decision to file Nasheed’s appeal with the High Court, the MDP had released a statement expressing its concern. In Friday’s statement, the Party had admitted to backing a recent parliamentary vote in order to acquire the aforementioned objectives and had called on the government to adhere to this agreement. After three sessions of talks, Home Minister Umar Naseer said that negotiations would benefit both the government and the opposition. MDP parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had even predicted a positive outcome. MDP and its supporters had reportedly expected Nasheed’s 13-year jail sentence to be pardoned on Thursday, the 23rd of July. The Party considered his release on this specific date rather important as any further delay would ‘narrow’ Nasheed’s chances of competing in the next Presidential Elections. The statement also revealed that the PG’s decision came after Nasheed requested the appeal based on a ‘lack of fundamental rights’ and ‘imprisonment without due process’. The State had raised the allegations against Nasheed for having arrested and detained controversial Criminal Court judge Ahmed Mohamed in his tenure. On the 22nd of February, the Police had apprehended Nasheed at his home. The Court's verdict read that Nasheed was found guilty of terrorism because of the overwhelming evidence found against him. It further stated that even though Nasheed had denied the charges, he has been found guilty of theft and perjury before. Given that this weakens his not-guilty-plea, the Court finds that Nasheed had 'masterminded the unlawful' arrest.