Continued illegal detention of political leaders is a barrier to facilitate free and fair election: Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the unlawful incarceration of political leaders is a barrier to facilitate an inclusive, free and fair presidential election.

In a tweet posted on Wednesday, Nasheed said that the day marks "one year since the arbitrary arrest of MP Faris Maumoon by this regime."

He also wrote that the “continued illegal detention of political leaders is a barrier to hold credible talks to facilitate an inclusive, free and fair Presidential election this year”.

MP Faris is currently servince a prison sentence of four months and 24 days after being found guilty of identity fraud for the unauthorized use of the ruling party's flag and logo in a press conference held by the opposition coalition. Although MP Faris did not lose his parliamentary seat upon being convicted, he will not be allowed to join sittings for the duration of his sentence.

He is also on trial over terrorism-related charges.

The opposition coalition along with the international community continue to call the convictions of political leaders in Maldives as baseless and unfounded.