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Maldives ex-president's lawyers pledge to protect him from torture

Xinhua, March 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

Lawyers of former Maldives president Mohammad Nasheed said on Wednesday they will continue to work towards ensuring that Nasheed's rights are not violated and that he is protected from any ill-treatment or torture even though they have recused themselves from the Criminal Court trial of the case.

The attorneys representing former president Mohamed Nasheed has on Monday informed the Criminal Court that they have recused themselves from representing the president stating that it was impossible for them to provide their client with the best legal consul due to the hastened trail process.

A statement issued by the legal team says that the former president feels that the charges brought against him are serious charges that alleges him as a former head of state and chief of defense force of terrorism, thus the seriousness of the matter requires ample time and preparation to make a sound defense.

They noted that since they are not being afforded that adequate time to prepare, they believed they are unable to dispense their legal advice and counsel to president Mohamed Nasheed. The lawyers also insisted they do not believe the former president was being offered a free and fair trial.

However, in a fresh release the lawyers have assured they will continue to lobby for the well-being of the former president and a fair trial.

Nasheed is charged with ordering the abduction of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012. If convicted, he faces a jail term or banishment between ten and 15 years. Members of the international community have called on the Maldives government to ensure an open and fair trial. Endit