Maldives concerned about reports of former President Nasheed seeking political asylum

 
The Maldives Government said on Monday it was concerned over media reports that Britain has granted political asylum to former President Mohamed Nasheed. 
A government statement said Nasheed was seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom, while visiting the UK on ‘medical leave’ from a 13-year prison sentence imposed following conviction for having ordered the abduction of a Criminal Court judge.  
“It is noted that former President Nasheed was granted medical leave exceptionally by the appropriate authorities in the Maldives after which he is expected to return to serve the remainder of his sentence. The Government expresses its concern at this recent development, although it remains unconfirmed at this stage,” the statement said.
It said this latest development clearly demonstrates that the intention was to seek to avoid serving his prison sentence, and thus again, the former President has once again exhibited a distinct lack of commitment to the legal process and continues to manipulate the process for political gain, believing that he remains above the law.
“Further, the Government of the Maldives is disappointed, if confirmed, that the UK Government is allowing itself to be part of this charade, and further, is enabling an individual to circumvent his obligations under the law,” the statement said.
Earlier media reports quoted Nasheed’s lawyer Hassan Latheef as saying that the former president had received political asylum in the UK as a Political Refugee. – Ends -