The Supreme Court ordered late Thursday to release the three convicted opposition leaders: former President Mohamed Nasheed, Jumhoory Party leader Qasim Ibrahim, and Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla along with some other politicians.
In addition to the three leaders of the joint opposition, the court order bade the immediate release of former defence minister Mohamed Nazim, Dhiggaru MP Faris Maumoon, former vice president Ahmed Adheeb, former prosecutor general Muhthaz Muhusin, Gaafu Alif atoll Maamigili island court’s chief magistrate Ahmed Nihan, and local magnate Hamid Ismail.
The Supreme Court explained that, based on the complaints received regarding the jailed politicians’ trials, the court has decided to reopen their cases and reach a second verdict for all, until which the politicians would be free.
The apex court ordered all state authorities to comply with the order, and warned that the prosecutor general has been directed to separately investigate and indict any entities that obstruct or hinder the order’s execution.
Out of the convicted political leaders, Nasheed and Qasim are both currently residing abroad under political asylum, while the others listed are serving long prison sentences.