Government: If Nasheed was given asylum, actions of UK government is saddening

Maldivian Government has said that if the former President Mohamed Nasheed was in fact granted political refugee status in the UK, the Maldives is concerned by the actions of the UK government.

Ex-President Mohamed Nasheed went to the UK for medical treatment, while serving a 13-year prison sentence, in January. After repeated extensions on his medical leave, Nasheed’s lawyer, Hassan Latheef said yesterday that the former President has been granted political refugee status by the UK.

A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said that the Maldivian government is concerned about the media reports that President Nasheed has attained political asylum.

“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 statement from the Foreign Ministry said.

The Ministry said that while the British government has not yet confirmed or shared any information regarding the reports, supporting such action has raised concerns from the Maldivian government.

“Former President Nasheed was granted exceptional leave for a specified period of time so as to seek medical treatment that, as suggested by his legal team, was not available in the Maldives. 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.” Foreign Ministry said.

Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon said that the Ministry is sending a letter to the Minister of Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Hugo Swire inquiring on the details of the situation and as to the under which conditions basis for granting political asylum or refugee status.