President: Will make a request at Supreme Court to hasten President Nasheed’s case

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said that he would make a request at the Supreme Court to hasten the proceedings in the case of the former President Mohamed Nasheed who has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Speaking at the function commemorating the complete relocation of the residents of Laamu Gaadhoo to Fonadhoo as part of the government's unification policy, President Yameen said that in different government discussions many has advised to make a request at the Supreme Court to hasten the case of President Nasheed and other political prisoners.

The President said that the biggest point in current discussions and those with the emissary of the UN Secretary General is for the government to advise the Supreme Court to hasten the case of Ex-President Nasheed and other political detainees.

President Yameen said that he believes that it should be done within the system even if he did not give that advice.

“This is my counsel. Even if I didn’t give it, that should be happening. Within the system it should happen. That is a duty on the Judiciary.” President Yameen said.

The President said that it is his constitutional duty to make a request to hasten cases if they are being delayed.

“It is very recently I was advised as such. When I return, I will ask the Supreme Court to end President Nasheed’s case one way or the other.” The President said.

President Yameen said that when the Supreme Court makes a decision on the case, the way head would be “charted” again.

The President also advised not to allow those who work to divide the country to succeed.

Ex-President Mohamed Nasheed is currently in the UK consulting doctors in regards to a serious spine problem.

On 17 April, the former President’s medical visit was extended by the Correctional Service by 30 days.