Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s lawyer Hassan Latheef has stated that with international bodies such as the UN calling for Nasheed’s freedom, the Government has no other option but to free him as soon as possible.
He made the statement speaking in the rally held Friday evening calling for his release.
Hassan Latheef said that 50 percent of the work to free Nasheed was completed with international agencies calling for his freedom. The rest 50 percent, he said, will be completed once Nasheed is freed from jail. He also said that international community had accepted that Nasheed is not an isolated person but a national hero and therefore was highly concerned over his detention.
Latheef stressed that a judicial solution cannot be sought for the issue, citing that the only solution will be for President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayyoom to free Nasheed. He also stressed that the President had full discretionary powers to do so.
MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) also spoke in the rally. He said that the MDP was well aware that the situation will reach to this levels but had given leniency to the Government in the best interests of the public.
Ibu stressed that rule of law has to be implemented for longevity of any Government. He added that the Government can delay Nasheed’s release. However, Ibu said that any delays will magnify the difficulties and pressures facing the Government.