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.