Former President Mohamed Nasheed has defended his call on Indian authorities to send a military-backed envoy to ensure the restoration of political stability in the Maldives.
Nasheed said in a post on his Twitter account that to resolve matters internally, while all possible legal means have been closed, could lead to chaos.
The President's Office on Monday announced a state of emergency, a constitutional right that the president reserves but only with the approval of the parliament.
However, with the parliament in recess, officers of the police and military had forcefully entered the Supreme Court premises and arrested Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Justice Abdulla Hameed.
Saying ‘resolve things internally’ is akin to asking us to escalate the revolt, which can lead to chaos. Maldivians see India’s role positively: in ‘88 they came, resolved the crisis, and left. They were not occupiers but liberators. This is why Maldivians look to India now.
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) February 7, 2018
Nasheed had previously called on the Indian and United States governments to intervene in the political tension currently ongoing in the Maldives.
The opposition leader had ‘humbly requested’ upon India and the US to ensure that political detainees are released and government finances are choked.
On behalf of Maldivian people we humbly request:
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) February 6, 2018
1. India to send envoy, backed by its military, to release judges & pol. detainees inc. Prez. Gayoom. We request a physical presence.
2. The US to stop all financial transactions of Maldives regime leaders going through US banks.
Nasheed is among a total of nine individuals whom the apex court declared were subject to unfair judicial proceedings and therefore cannot be kept in prison.
