High Court issues stay order to suspend former president Nasheed's trial

High Court has issued a stay order to halt all proceedings related to former president Mohamed Nasheed’s case until the court decides on the matter submitted by former President Mohamed Nasheed regarding the composition of the Hulhumale' Court bench of judges.

High Court issued the order to halt proceedings regarding the case against former president Mohamed Nasheed for the illegal detention of Criminal Court judge Abdulla Mohamed. The proceedings are to remain suspended until the Court decides on the matter submitted by former president Nasheed alleging that the bench of judges presiding over the illegal detention case was assembled to against the law.

“Until such time that a decision has been made, or until further notice regarding the case of the Hulhumale’ court bench of judges, [we now] order that all hearings for case number MHC/2012/397 be suspended,” read the order.

In addition to a request to declare that Hulhumale’ Court bench of judges were assembled against laws and regulations, former president Nasheed has also asked the High Court to take the necessary steps as stipulated by the regulation that details the steps to be taken by a higher ranking court who has oversight powers over the lower courts.

The hearing for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential candidate and former President Mohamed Nasheed has been scheduled for next Thursday.