Friday, February 15, 2013
Former President of Maldives Has Sought Refuge in the Indian High Commission
The former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, has sought refuge in the Indian High Commission, and is urging all parties to work towards conditions conducive for the upcoming elections in line with the country’s Constitution. Mr. Nasheed has been inside the Indian High Commission in the capital city of Malé since February 13, 2013, when police attempted to arrest him in a case relating to accusations that he illegally detained a judge during the last days of his rule, according to media reports.
The former leader was elected in 2008 in the first multi-party presidential elections in the country in three decades. He resigned in February of last year in contested circumstances, succeeded by his former deputy, Mohammed Waheed Hassan.
The Government set up a National Commission of Inquiry to probe the events leading to the regime change, with the Commission presenting its findings in August. His supporters say the legal case against Mr. Nasheed is meant to bar him from running in the presidential elections, scheduled for September 7, 2013.
Last night, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon urged all political actors “to exercise restraint, renew their commitment to the Constitution and work toward creating conducive conditions for fair, peaceful and inclusive elections.” He added that all parties should field the candidates of their choice “in accordance with the rule of law and the Constitution.”
(adapted from a UN Press Release)
https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/international_law/2013/02/maldives.html