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Maldives ex-president can still appeal 13-year jail sentence

Xinhua, April 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed can still appeal a 13-year terrorism conviction at the High Court despite the end of the 10-day appeal period, local media reported on Monday.

However, Nasheed's lawyers said they believe they have no legal route through which to launch an appeal, and the ex-leader' s only hope for release is a clemency procedure initiated by the president, local newspaper Minivan reported.

The legal team said Nasheed is seeking a political solution involving President Abdulla Yameen, saying he has no faith in the judicial system to treat his case fairly.

Nasheed's conviction last month was met with outrage from the opposition, which has been holding daily protests, while his trial was heavily criticized by several international bodies.

High Court judges are authorized to accept a late appeal if a" reasonable justification"is given, court media official Ameen Faisal said.

Nasheed, who is the first democratically elected president of the Maldives, was tried and convicted for wrongfully removing a judge during his brief tenure as head of state.

The speedy trial has been heavily criticized by the international community for failing to follow due process, a charge the Maldives government has rejected. Endi