FM: Maumoon, judges were sentenced within criminal justice system

The Maldivian government has issued a statement to address the concern expressed by Indian government regarding the prison sentences issued against former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Supreme Court Judge Ali Hameed last Wednesday.

The Indian government had issued a statement on Thursday, declaring Maumoon, Abdulla Saeed and Ali Hameed were sentenced without the right to a just trial. The Indian government said the Maldivian political environment has been in turmoil since February 1, and noted that the international community has urged the Maldivian government to resolve the political conflict through open dialogue.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives issued a statement in response to the Indian government’s statement, declaring Maumoon, Abdulla Saeed and Ali Hameed were sentenced within the criminal justice system of Maldives. It said the Maldivian government was committed to upholding the rule of law, and that criminal trials are held within the bounds of the Maldivian Constitution and Maldivian laws.