MDP prepares petition calling for withdrawal of charges against Nasheed

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has commenced preparing a petition to request the Prosecutor General to withdraw the charges against former President Mohamed Nasheed for the unconstitutional arrest of Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdullah Mohamed.

MDP said that the petition was being prepared because the case filed by the Prosecutor General to Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court was causing irreparable material and personal damage to Maldivian citizens.

Article 223 of the constitution states that the prosecutor general has the power to consider and assess evidence presented by investigating bodies, and determine whether charges should be pursued. MDP urged the prosecutor general, in light of the events that have transpired over the past year, to withdraw the charges against the presidential candidate of MDP.

MDP said that the petition can be signed during official work hours at the party secretariat and Usfasgandu area.

Nasheed said recently that the trial against him would not be completed before the election this year, and that he is prepared to face the trial in 2018.

While the trial is under way, Nasheed departed to India yesterday.