The U.S. on Thursday expressed concern regarding the Criminal Court’s decision to sentence former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, Chief Justice Abdullah Saeed and Supreme Court Judge Ali Hameed to prison, and stated that it was “deeply dismayed” by the reports.
The statement released by the U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert called on the Maldivian government to “uphold the rule of law, respect the constitutionally guaranteed legal protections and rights of all Maldivians” and to allow for the proper functioning of the parliament and judiciary.
The trio’s sentence fuels more doubt about the Maldivian government’s ability to facilitate a free, free and inclusive election, the U.S. State Department had claimed.
“This outcome casts a serious doubt on the commitment of the government of Maldives to the rule of law and calls into question its willingness to permit a free and fair presidential election in September that reflects the will of the Maldivian people.”
It urged the Maldivian government to take necessary measures to restore credibility of the electoral process, and ensure the genuine participation of all the citizens in the election slated for September 24.
“We further call on the government to release political prisoners, ensure that parties and candidates are able to campaign freely,” the statement read.
Former president Gayyoom, Chief Justice Saeed and Judge Hameed were sentenced on June 13 to a year, seven months and six days in prison after being convicted of obstruction of justice for refusing to provide the police their mobile phones on, which were considered material evidence in its investigation.
In addition to their prison sentences, the court had also annulled their licences to practice law and administer religious sermons.
Speaking before the verdict, the former president noted that the lawyers of all three defendants had boycotted the trial over grievances with the proceedings, and claimed that continuing hearings without lawyers was a violation of the Maldivian Constitution. He maintained his claim of innocence.
Meanwhile, Judges Saeed and Hameed have also been convicted of undue influence on the judiciary, and sentenced to a year and two months in jail. The chief justice is also facing an additional four months and 24 days of imprisonment after the Criminal Court found him guilty of ordering to shut down the Government's E-Letter Management System (GEMS) of the top court.
Former President Gayyoom was arrested on February 5, shortly after incumbent President Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency. The two top judges were also arrested on the same night from the premises of the Supreme Court in connection to its landmark ruling on February 1 to release all political prisoners including former President Mohamed Nasheed and axed Vice President Ahmed Adheeb.
The three have also been charged with attempting to orchestrate an act of terrorism by plotting to overthrow the government.
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