The trial and conviction of former Maldives President Mohammed Nasheed was vastly unfair، arbitrary and disproportionate، a senior United Nations human rights official announced today as she reported on her recent visit to the Maldives.
Addressing a press briefing at UN Headquarters in Geneva، Mona Rishmawi، Chief of the Rule of Law، Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)، confirmed that she had headed a UN delegation to the Maldives from 20 to 23 April to examine the broader issues related to the criminal case against Nasheed.
The delegation had met with senior officials of the government and the former president Mohamed Nasheed.
Though the the charges were indeed serious، OHCHR stated the trial conducted against Nasheed was unfair، and the verdict issued was absurd.
The statement of Rishmawi further notes that President Yameen has the full authority to pardon ex-President Nasheed’s sentence.
UN Human Rights Commission’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention was appealed by the international lawyers of Nasheed، requesting to immediately free Nasheed. The petition appeals to bring the perpetrators of the sham trial to justice.
However، President Yameen had repeatedly stated that the government will implement and enforce the sentences issued by the courts.
In addition، Home Minister Umar Naseer on Friday stated that the government will not release Nasheed.