Former President Mohamed Nasheed had asked that as many people as possible should request President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to commute the sentence on Nasheed، said the Office of Former President Nasheed.
The office of former President Nasheed has said on a statement released today that it is a sincere request of Nasheed that many people sign the petition to President Yameen، and that he is thankful that many had already signed the petition.
The statement further read that in light of Article 5 of Pardon & Clemency Act of Maldives، a pardon shall not be granted to a person who had committed an offense of terrorism. Ex-President Nasheed was convicted by the Criminal Court on terrorism charges.
“However، under special circumstances stated on the said Law، pardon can be granted. The Article 29، subsection c states that the President has the discretion، on the President’s own initiative، to commute the sentence of a person convicted of a criminal offence، based on their age، health، treatment they are currently undergoing، their status and circumstance، or from a humanitarian perspective،” the statement reads.
The statement also said that under special circumstances، the President has the discretion to commute the punishment to 30 days from the total 13 year prison statement.
In addition the statement released by the Officer of the Former President Nasheed has highlighted that several individuals convicted of offenses stated under the Article 5 were granted pardon.
“Therefore، we highlight that it is asking President Yameen to commit an unlawful act by letting as many people to sign the petition.”