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Jailed ex-Maldivian president transferred to house arrest for health check

Xinhua, June 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

Jailed former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed was transferred from prison to house arrest on Sunday, the opposition party said on Monday.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) led by Nasheed said its leader, who was serving a 13-year jail term, was moved to his home in the capital of Male.

According to local media, President Abdulla Yameen authorized Nasheed's transfer to house arrest on Sunday after seeking advice from the Attorney General.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb told reporters that Home minister Umar Naseer was reluctant to approve the transfer, but the president made the decision.

An official from the Maldives Corrections Service (MCS) told local media that Nasheed was transferred to house arrest for a health check.

The health check recommended by the doctor will take three days, the official said, after which Nasheed will be taken back to the Maafushi prison. Adeeb said the duration of Nasheed's house arrest will depend on the doctor's advice.

Arrested in February, Nasheed was found guilty of terrorism over the detention of a judge during his tenure as president and was sentenced to 13 years in jail in March.

His arrest has been widely criticized by the local and international community and protests have continued in the island country calling for the release the jailed leader.

The Maldives government appointed a top British law firm to advise the government for strengthening its legislative framework as part of the government's broader strategy for democracy consolidation.

The decision to employ Omnia Strategy LLP, an international legal and advisory firm, underscores the its commitment to strengthen democratic institutions and promote a culture of respect for human rights, adhering to international norms, while retaining its unique character, the government said. Endi