The Maldives government on Tuesday defended the arrest of Mohamed Nasheed on terrorism charges and accused the former President of performing “stunts” to grab global attention after India and the U.S. voiced concern over his detention.
“When the case begins in a court, how can it be called a political act in a society that believes offenders must be tried?” Presidential Affairs Minister Mohamed Hussein Shareef argued.
Lawyers for the former President’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said the charges were politically motivated.
Mr. Nasheed (47) was arrested on Sunday under anti-terrorism laws for allegedly ordering the arrest a senior judge in 2012 that triggered violence in the Indian Ocean island. He appeared before the Criminal Court on Tuesday with his arm in a makeshift sling. He was virtually dragged by the security forces as he was presented before the court, which ruled that the Opposition leader will remain in custody until the case against him was complete.
India on Monday said it was concerned over recent developments in the Maldives, including the “arrest and manhandling” of Mr. Nasheed, and asked all the involved to resolve their differences within the constitutional framework.
The U.S. also asked the Maldives to take steps to restore confidence in their commitment to democracy, judicial independence, and rule of law in the wake of Mr. Nasheed’s arrest.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb, speaking alongside Mr. Shareef, said President Abdulla Yameen would not interfere with the Prosecutor General’s Office or the judiciary.
Mr. Nasheed must be tried and penalised to ensure justice is done to Judge Abdulla Mohamed, he said.
Superintendent of Police Hamdhoon Rasheed said the Opposition leader had staged a fall, and that his arms and fingers were not injured as he had claimed in the courtroom.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters that the U.N. is aware of the arrest of the former President and is closely monitoring the situation in the Maldives.
