The state has pressed terrorism charges against convicted Former President Mohamed Nasheed for the arbitrary detention of incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom during the former’s regime.
Nasheed had detained President Yameen in a bungalow in Kaafu atoll Aarah island in July 2010. According to the president, he had not been allowed to go farther than 100 feet from the bungalow which was under military security nor permitted to do anything without permission.
The first hearing of Nasheed’s new trial is scheduled for Wednesday. However, it seems unlikely that the hearing will be held as criminal trials cannot proceed in the absence of the defendant. Nasheed is currently in Sri Lanka and has been living in the United Kingdom under political asylum for over a year.
The former president is already sentenced to 13 years in jail on terrorism charges for the arbitrary detention of a judge during his presidency. Nasheed’s first conviction on terrorism charges came about in 2015. However, upon receiving permission from the state to go abroad for medical treatment during his sentence, Nasheed left for the United Kingdom and sought asylum.
The former Minister of Defence Ameen Faisal is also undergoing trials regarding President Yameen’s detention.
Police first arrested President Yameen with accusations of plotting to topple the government. Following the Supreme Court’s order to release him, Nasheed had placed him under military custody in Aarah island “for protection”. The court has also ordered compensation to President Yameen for his detention.
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