Brussels, 16/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - On 14 March, the European Union expressed its concern about the conviction of the former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, under this island country's anti-terrorist legislation.
The spokesperson for the EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, emphasised that: “The conviction of former President Mohamed Nasheed for charges under anti-terrorist legislation raises very serious questions about due process of law and risks undermining people's trust in the independence of the judiciary”. She added that “Should the conviction be appealed, the appeal process must be fair and transparent with former President Nasheed being accorded all his rights, including adequate access to his lawyers”. The Spokesperson explained that respect for rule of law, due legal process and independence of the judiciary, in accordance with provisions of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), are central elements of the democratic process. She also pointed out “All citizens must be treated in accordance with these provisions, to which the Maldives have a binding obligation”. The European Union calls on all sides in the Maldives “to act responsibly and uphold constitutional freedoms”.
On 12 March, the former president was sentenced to 13 years in prison for terrorism. He was found guilty of having ordered the arrest of a chief judge of the Criminal Court, suspected of corruption, when he was president. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)