Foreign minister voices concerns over arrest of Maldives opposition leader

Nasheed arrested on terrorism charges

The foreign minister, Martin Lidegaard, has voiced his concern over the arrest of the former president of the Maldives and current opposition leader, Mohamed Nasheed, on Sunday.

Nasheed was arrested on terrorism charges in the capital of Malé and forcibly dragged into court by police the following day before a court refused him bail and denied him access to lawyers.

”I look on the recent developments in the Maldives and the arrest of the former Maldivian president [Mohamed] Nasheed with deep concern. I have asked that the EU nations discuss the situation tomorrow,” Lidegaad said.

”I strongly urge the Maldivian government to ensure Nasheed his rights, uphold judicial principles and secure a just and transparent trial.”

Human rights issues
Lidegaard underlined that the EU and the international community would be keeping a sharp eye on the proceedings so that the Maldives adheres to human rights standards.

While president of the Maldives, Nasheed caused a stir at the COP15 climate meeting in Copenhagen in 2009 when he vocally conveyed his concern at the effect climate change was having on his island nation, 80 percent of which is three feet (91.5 cm) or less above sea level.

Before that, he organised an underwater cabinet meeting to draw attention to the dire situation the nation would find itself in should ocean levels continue to rise.

The video below shows Nasheed being manhandled and dragged along the ground by Maldivian police.

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