Former President Mohamed Nasheed calls for all to avoid confrontation, following Supreme Court ruling freeing all political prisoners on Thursday.
In a tweet posted after, the former President said that he welcomes the ruling “for the immediate release of political prisoners and the restoration of their civil and political rights”.
“President Yameen must abide by this ruling and resign,” added Nasheed, further urging “all citizens to avoid confrontation and engage in peaceful activity”.
Welcome tonight’s SC ruling calling for the immediate release of political prisoners and the restoration of their civil and political rights. President Yameen must abide by this ruling and resign. Urge all citizens to avoid confrontation and engage in peaceful political activity.
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) February 1, 2018
Speaking to RaajjeTV earlier tonight, Nasheed assured that he will return home, “but not tonight”, adding that he is waiting on his party’s decision on the matter.
Supreme Court, on Thursday, ordered the release of all political prisoners, including Nasheed, Jumhooree Party Leader Qasim Ibrahim, Adhaalath Party Leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla, former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim, and Dhiggaru constituency MP Faris Maumoon.
The Supreme Court further annulled the previous controversial ‘anti-defection’ ruling issued in July 2017. Noting that this immediately reinstates the 12 opposition members of parliament, Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), in a statement said that “the restoration of the 12 MPs gives the opposition alliance a clear majority in the Parliament”.
The joint opposition has called on the security forces to uphold the Constitution, respect the rule of law, and serve the Maldivian people.
