Nasheed's statement breaches protocol - Maldivian FM
by Rukshana Rizwie
The Maldivian Government this week stood defiantly in the belief that
former President Mohamed Nasheed would return to the country from the
UK, where he is seeking medical treatment.
Minister of Legal Affairs Azim Shakoor speaking to reporters in
Colombo denounced a move by the former President to galvanise public and
media support while on leave stating that it was a breach of protocol
and "irresponsible".
Former President Nasheed who is serving a 13-year sentence on
terrorism charges has called for sanctions against his homeland. British
Prime Minister David Cameron also raised the possibility of sanctions
after meeting Nasheed.
"For a country that relies heavily on tourism we are concerned about
these calls for sanctions, " Minister Shakoor said. She referred to
Nasheed's statement as "irresponsible"
When asked of the time period that has been granted to Nasheed she
said that based on formal procedures he has been granted 30-day medical
leave, after which he can request for an extension.
She cautioned that when he returns he will resume his 13-year
sentence, stating that the duration spent outside Maldivian jurisdiction
does not count as part of his jail term.
Both Minister Asia and Foreign Secretary Ali Naseer dodged questions
pertaining to the repercussions in the event Nasheed does not return
stating that the "Maldivian government was not in the business of
prosecuting people and that an Independent Prosecutor General would take
up the matter. "
They however conferred that since Nasheed was out of Maldivian
jurisdiction there was little they could do but anticipate his return.
Reports have flouted the possibility of Nasheed applying for political
asylum as he has done before in 2005, shortly after forming his
Maldivian Democratic Party.
It was this asylum which aided his battle against President Gayoom.
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