The Maldives Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed’s 13-year jail sentence, clearing the way for his arrival in capital Male on November 1.
The top court asked the government, police and prison authorities to adhere to the ruling, until it reviews his conviction following a recent request from the prosecutor general, according to Male-based sources. The prosecutor general’s office on Sunday sought a Supreme Court review of Mr. Nasheed’s conviction.
Speaking to The Hindu on Tuesday, Mr. Nasheed said the court order was a “clear indication” of the prevalent sentiment in the Maldives. “The biggest priority now is forming the new government, and that is the prerogative of the President-elect. I will extend all my support for the stability of his government,” he said.
Following Mr. Nasheed's conviction on terrorism charges in 2012, he sought medical leave to go to the United Kingdom in 2016 and has since lived there in exile. More recently, he moved to Colombo, where many of his fellow Maldivian dissidents live, following threats at home.
The September Presidential elections in the Maldives saw joint opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih unseat incumbent Abdulla Yameen in a high-stakes election after years of Mr. Yameen's controversial tenure. Mr. Yameen's regime was accused of massive corruption and authoritarianism, charges he has repeatedly denied. Mr. Solih, who won 58% of the vote, has promised to restore democracy in the island. Soon after the joint opposition emerged victorious, Mr. Nasheed. who leads the coalition's key constituent Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), vowed to return home “come what may”.
Meanwhile, in separate judgments on Tuesday the Supreme Court overturned the disqualifications of the remaining four of the 12 lawmakers, earlier disqualified for defection. With all 12 MPs now reinstated, the Opposition gained a clear majority in the 85-member Parliament, or 'Majlis', local media reported.
