Maldives Foreign Ministry has issued Government’s concern about reports of President Nasheed seeking political asylum.
Foreign Ministry has said that The Government of Maldives is concerned about the media reports of President Nasheed seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom, while visiting the UK on ‘medical leave’ from a 13-year prison sentence imposed following conviction for having ordered the abduction of a Criminal Court judge.
From Foreign Ministry’s statement:
It is noted that former President Nasheed was granted medical leave exceptionally by the appropriate authorities in the Maldives after which he is expected to return to serve the remainder of his sentence.
The Government expresses its concern at this recent development, although it remains unconfirmed at this stage.
Former President Nasheed was granted exceptional leave for a specified period of time so as to seek medical treatment that, as suggested by his legal team, was not available in the Maldives. This latest development clearly demonstrates that the intention was to seek to avoid serving his prison sentence, and thus again, the former President has once again exhibited a distinct lack of commitment to the legal process and continues to manipulate the process for political gain, believing that he remains above the law.
Further, the Government of the Maldives is disappointed, if confirmed, that the UK Government is allowing itself to be part of this charade, and further, is enabling an individual to circumvent his obligations under the law.