Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) stated that former president and party leader Mohamed Nasheed will return to Maldives as a free man.

At a press conference on Tuesday, MDP chairperson Hassan Latheef said that even international human rights observers have deemed the prison conviction of the self-exiled opposition leader as unlawful.

Chairperson Latheef said Nasheed will return after he is guaranteed his political and human rights are protected upon his arrival.

Latheef said that MDP has been preparing a huge celebration on the day of Nasheed’s return since supporters of the opposition and Nasheed have asked them to make it so that as many people as possible can welcome him.

Latheef invited everyone, even atoll residents, to come and join the welcoming celebrations on November 1, which would be three years, nine months, and 10 days after he was first arrested.

Nasheed has been living in the UK since obtaining political asylum after he left abroad for medical treatment during his imprisonment.