Dunya: President Nasheed has violated the decision by the Working Group

Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon has said that the former President, Mohamed Nasheed violated the decision by the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) during his presidency.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Foreign Ministry, Minister Dunya said that President Nasheed decided not to obey the decision made by UNWGAD in May 2009.

“President Nasheed decided that he does not want to see the opinion by the Working Group or the Government doesn’t have to obey the opinion.” Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon said.

That was a case presented to UNWGAD by a foreign prisoner in a Maldivian prison.

Speaking about the case, Foreign Secretary, Ali Naseer said that a decision was made in the past regarding a decision by the Working Group.

“An opinion given by the Working Group in May 2009. To release him immediately and compensate him. The Government then decided his proceedings would be under the Judicial System of the Maldives, not how the Working Group says.” Naseer said.

UNWGAD made a decision and called for the release of the former President Mohamed Nasheed who is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence. But the Government has said that their decision cannot be accepted. And said that the Working Group is not a court and their decision is their opinion.