The government of Maldives has ‘reassured’ that all criminal proceedings are carried out in compliance with the Constitution and national Laws of the Maldives.

In a press statement published by the foreign ministry on Thursday, the government stated that it takes note of the Indian government’s press release on the political situation in the Maldives.

In the statement, the Maldivian government stated that “the Criminal Court sentenced former President Uz. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Chief Justice Uz. Abdulla Saeed as per national laws, regulations and procedures governing the criminal justice system in the Maldives.”

“The Government of Maldives reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and reassures that all criminal proceedings are carried out in compliance with the relevant laws and the Constitution of the Maldives.”

Earlier on Thursday, the Indian government stated that it was dismayed over the prison sentences of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the two Supreme Court justices, and questioned the credibility of the upcoming presidential elections.