Former president of Maldives jailed for 13 years

 

 

 Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in prison. File photo: Dinuka Liyanawatte

Colombo - Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in prison for having ordered the arrest of a criminal court judge while in office, officials said on Saturday.
Nasheed was found guilty under anti-terrorism laws for having ordered the detention of Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012.
The court said Nasheed was also guilty of making false statements and disobeying court orders.
The former president asked for a 20-day period to consult his lawyers and prepare a closing statement.
Nasheed was forced to step down from presidency in 2012 and face a new election, which he lost.
In a reaction to Nasheed's conviction, a spokesperson for the European Union's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said it “raises very serious questions” about due process of law.
Sapa-dpa