Nasheed cut off from state protection, benefits

Convicted former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed will no longer receive any state protection or benefit awarded to individuals who served as Maldivian presidents.

The change comes as President Abdulla Yameen ratified the amendment to Former Presidents Protection and Benefits Act on Tuesday.

The amendment revokes privileges and immunities that are accorded by the state to former presidents and their spouses if they are convicted of any criminal offence during their term at office. The amendment is also applicable to former Presidents who are already convicted of a criminal offence.

Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2015, after he was found guilty of illegally imprisoning Criminal Court Chief Justice during his administration.

Nasheed had been receiving a monthly allowance of MVR 50,000, an additional monthly living allowance of MVR 50,000, and an annual allowance of MVR 2.1 million to run his office.

The amendment to Former Presidents Protection and Benefits Act was proposed to People’s Majlis by Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed.

It passed with the vote of 43 members. 23 members voted against making the amendment.