U.S concerned over Maldives former president's 13 year sentence

The U.S. is concerned over the trial of former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed who was sentenced to 13 years in jail, the embassy said in a statement on Saturday.

The United States is concerned with the apparent lack of appropriate criminal procedures during the trial in Maldives against former President Mohamed Nasheed, who was found guilty on Friday and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

"We are particularly troubled by reports that the trial was conducted in a manner contrary to Maldivian law and Maldives' international obligations to provide the minimum fair trial guarantees and other protections under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)."

According to the statement this includes the denial of legal representation to former president Nasheed during the first hearing and concerns regarding the lack of impartiality and independence of the judges.

The U.S called on the government of Maldives to take steps to restore confidence in its commitment to democracy and the rule of law, including judicial independence, and to ensure fundamental rights are respected including the freedom of speech and of the press as well as the right to peaceful assembly and peaceful protest.

"We urge the government to ensure former President Nasheed's safety and well being in custody, and we hope all Maldivians will express their views peacefully," the statement added.

Nasheed's final hearing on Friday evening sparked protests with police arresting at least one demonstrator. Many human right activists have condemned the trial as unfair and politically motivated, which the Maldives government has denied. Endi