Nasheed fails to show up in Court, departs for southern atolls

The trial scheduled for today against former President Mohamed Nasheed, pertaining to the illegal arrest of Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdullah Mohamed, has been cancelled following his failure to show up in Court.

Reporters and members of the public who had registered to attend the trial were allowed inside the Court room at Justice Building today at around 16:15. About 15 minutes later, an official of Hulhumale’ Court announced that the trial was cancelled due to the defendant’s failure to attend Court as summoned.

Checks were conducted on the persons allowed inside the Court room more thoroughly than checks conducted at airports; and Specialist Operation Police Officers and MNDF’s Special Protection Group Officers were present inside Justice Building as well as inside the Court room.

The National Steering Committee of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) passed a resolution at the end of last month, stating that the party will not accept Court Orders.

Instead of presenting himself in Court, Nasheed has departed to the south of Maldives with members of MDP.

Speaking to reporters at T-jetty area prior to his departure, Nasheed said that he does not accept that a trial is being held against him, or that it would be possible to hold a trial against him.

Nasheed refused to respond - even when asked repeatedly - whether he had obtained permission of Hulhumale’ Court to leave Male’. He instead insisted that the Courts need to be reformed.

Hulhumale’ Court had issued travel restrictions on Nasheed, forcing him to seek Court permission if he wishes to leave Male’.