Nasheed

Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court has decided to deny Nasheed’s request to leave the country, reasoning that Nasheed is not cooperating with the court.

An official from the Judiciary Media Unit said that the bench of judges have decided to deny Nasheed’s request, which asked for a leave from the Wednesday (27th February) until the 5th of March.

Nasheed has made visits abroad on two previous instances, after leave was granted by the court.

The former president’s request to go abroad comes a few days after he exited the Indian High Commission, following a continued stay on the premises for a period of 11 days. Nasheed went into the High Commission claiming he sought protect, after the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court issued an arrest warrant for Nasheed to produce to the court. His hearings were scheduled on two different occasions during his stay in the High Commission, and both were cancelled as the police failed to produce him to court.

During his last news conference, when asked if he is ready to face the trial, Nasheed chose to ignore the question and said that the he will now focus on the upcoming presidential election.

Charges have been raised in court against Nasheed under Article 81 of the Penal Code for; during his presidency and acting as the foremost authority over the military, for the illegal detention of Criminal Court judge Abdulla Mohamed by utilizing the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Nasheed denied the charges during the first hearing, and a hearing has not been possible since.