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UN, EU join chorus of concern on arrest of former Maldives president

Xinhua, February 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Nations and European Union have joined a growing international chorus of concern over former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed's arrest and trial on terrorism charges, local media reported on Wednesday.

In a statement Wednesday, the UN urged "fairness and transparency in regards to the legal proceedings" against the former president.

The assistant secretary-general for political affairs, Jens Toyberg-Frandzen in a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon, "stressed the need for full respect for due process and transparency" in Nasheed's trial.

He also appealed to the government to allow peaceful political dissent and to engage with the opposition in the interest of long- term political stability in the Maldives, local media outlet Minivan News reported quoting the UN statement.

At a first hearing on Monday, a visibly injured Nasheed appeared in court with his arm in a makeshift sling and repeatedly asked for medical attention and legal counsel.

Presiding Judge Abdulla Didi denied Nasheed bail and gave him three days to appoint a lawyer and answer charges.

The former opposition leader is to remain in police custody until the conclusion of the terrorism trial over the January 2012 detention of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed.

The EU Heads of Mission and ambassadors of Norway and Switzerland in Colombo in a statement said the delegation was " very concerned" over Nasheed's arrest and was seeking clarification as to the nature of the terrorism charges.

The Maldives foreign minister has hit back at the UN, and previous statements by the Commonwealth and Canada, expressing disappointment over what she called biased statements.

"Those who prefer to issue public statements about an on-going legal case, or on a domestic political situation, are advised to do a basic fact-check, before bandwagoning on to accusations made by a political party," a press release by the Foreign Ministry said.

Dunya insisted the police followed due process and standard procedure in arresting Nasheed and presenting him at court.

"The government of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom will not take instructions from a foreign government on any issue in governing the country," she said.

If convicted Nasheed faces jail and possible banishment. Endi