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Maldives gov't slams criticism over jailing of ex-president

Xinhua, March 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Maldivian government slammed what it called "unjustified" criticism over former president Mohamed Nasheed's conviction and asked for the help of neighboring India and Sri Lanka against such criticism, said its foreign minister on Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Dhunya Maumoon -- part of the Maldivian delegation in Sri Lanka to brief international community regarding the Maldivian political situation told reporters that Nasheed had been given a fair trial at Criminal Court, and the Maldivian government would not influence the country's judiciary.

Noting that the Maldives wasn't the only country where a former president had been prosecuted, Dhunya said that such examples could be seen from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

She said that arresting Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed was a serious offense, and that the person responsible should be answerable, even if it is a former president.

"We feel that we are criticized harshly because we are a small nation. Treating countries differently is unacceptable to us. There are many countries with issues much more serious than the Maldives," said Dhunya.

Dhunya noted that India respects the Maldives' independence and sovereignty. She provided assurances the Maldives would continue relations with the international community, saying she did not believe either India or any other country would try to interfere in internal affairs of the country.

"We hope that Lanka will provide their support to us in international platforms as we provided our support to Lanka. We are holding discussions with Lanka regarding this. Relations with Lanka have not changes despite change in government," she said.

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen himself has called upon everyone to respect the 13 year jail sentence dealt to Nasheed on March 13.

The United States, United Kingdom, India and European Union as well as numerous sources from within the country and outside have voiced their concern over Nasheed's conviction and have asked that Nasheed's rights be ensured during the appeal process. Endi