UN WGAD calls for compensation and release of Sheikh Imran Abdulla

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UN WGAD) has called on the Maldivian government to release and compensate the Leader of Adhaalath Party (AP), Sheikh Imran Abdulla.

Sheikh Imran was sentenced to 12 years on the charge of terrorism following the protest rally on 1 May 2015.

According to the decision passed on 21 January from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the trail of Shiekh Imran was not just in reference to international laws and human rights.

The desicion said that the trial was unjust and adequate time was not given to appoint an attorney. And was not allowed to present any defensive evidence.

The WGAD also noted that Imran's case was resided over a single judge despite having a bench of three judges being set initially.

Sheikh Imran was arrested following the 1 May protest in 2015 for inciting violence in his speech at the rally.

UN WGAD has previously called for the release of the former President Mohamed Nasheed.