Police have been issued a court order to produce former President Mohamed Nasheed at the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court ahead of his trial, scheduled at 4:00pm today.
The former President, who is due to attend a hearing regarding his detention of Chief Judge of the Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012, was inside the Indian High Commission at 1:00pm this afternoon following the announcement of the court order.
Police had set up barricades around the High Commission area at time of press.
Police Spokesperson Sub Inspector Hassan Haneef today confirmed that police had received an order to produce the former president at the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court.
“We have received the order and we will be trying to carry it out in accordance with the Maldivian constitution and the order itself,” Haneef said.
The court summons follows Nasheed’s failure to attend his previously scheduled trial hearing at Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court on February 10.
The former President was on an official visit to India after being granted permission to depart the country by the court. Despite his permitted travel period expiring on February 9, Nasheed arrived back in Male’ on February 11.
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Mohamed Rasheed at 1:00pm said the former President was inside the Indian High Commission in Male’, “seeking advice” after news of the court order calling for his arrest was made public on Tuesday night.
“He went to the hospital in Male’ this morning and then returned back to his home. After a few minutes he went to the Indian High Commission with a couple of MDP MPs.
“[Nasheed’s] lawyers are not around at the moment, but from what I know they are attempting to appeal the order at the High Court,” Rasheed said.
Last night Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members camped outside the former President’s residence in order to prevent police from entering the narrow street where Nasheed lives.
MDP Spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor claimed police had intended to arrest Nasheed in secret in order to present him at his court hearing today.
“They [Police] were going to pounce on Nasheed, but we received intelligence about it and let people know what was happening,” Ghafoor said.
“This is pre-2008 procedures. At least one hundred people were outside Nasheed’s residence last night throughout the night,” Hamid told Minivan News today.
Minivan News observed crowds of supporters still filling the street this morning at around 10:30am.
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1:15pm: The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have issued a statement condemning the arrest warrant for Nasheed.
“The MDP reiterates its belief that the arrest warrant and the charges against him are politically motivated and calls on the international community to remain vigilant and immediately intervene to ensure a free and fair trial for President Nasheed,” the party said.
“President Nasheed’s legal team was informed by the Maldives Police Services that the court order was issued to arrest President Nasheed and summon him to the court on 13 February 2013. However, the court has not yet informed him or his legal team of the scheduled hearing.”
1:39pm: Maldives Police Service (MPS) were standing outside the Indian High Commission building in Male’.
The second hearing of the case was scheduled on 10th February 2013 while President Nasheed was on an official visit to India and was unable to return to Male’ due to a medical emergency.
The lawyers informed the court in writing as stated in the court’s regulations. According to the regulations, if the accused is unable to attend the hearing and after informing the court, documentation must be provided to the court within 2 working days.
While time frame to produce the documents has not even passed, and when the documents were being processed, the court issued an arrest warrant on President Nasheed on 11th February 2013. The courts also have an option to fine the accused (MVR 75) for failing to appear before court.
1:59pm: ‘MDP News’ Twitter feed shows woman being apprehended by police outside the High Commission building.
“This highlights, once again, how biased the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court is against President Nasheed. This illegal court has no interest in the rule of law, it exists merely to serve the political aims of its paymasters. This trial is a thinly veiled attempt by Dr Wadeed, in cahoots with his friends in the judiciary, to prevent President Nasheed from contesting in the upcoming presidential elections. The regime is fearful of President Nasheed’s popularity, so they are pulling out all the stops to prevent his name appearing on the ballot paper. These forceful measures by the Court are contrary to their usual practice,” said MDP MP Hamid Abdul Ghafoor.
2:43pm: Indian media ‘Times Now Live’ asks: “Will India protect Nasheed?”
3:30pm: Nasheed has tweeted confirming that he is seeking refuge in the Indian High Commission: “Mindful of my own security and stability in the Indian Ocean, I have taken refuge at the Indian High Commission in Maldives.”
Minivan News observed around 200 people gathered near the police barricades. The crowd appeared non-violent but the atmosphere was tense.
3:54pm: Indian media is reporting the Indian government as denying that Nasheed has sought refuge.
4:05pm: Minivan News has observed a police officer armed with a rubber bullet gun deployed outside the High Commission.
4:10pm: MDP MP Ghafoor has said Nasheed is discussing “a transition arrangement, where we can have a free and fair election in September.”
“We have a scenario now we can’t move ahead without a mediator. We prefer India because it is our neighbour and a democratic nation,” he said.
4:23pm: Minivan News understands that no formal request for refuge or asylum has been made at this stage.
4:26pm: An appeal hearing was cancelled after a summoning chit was not able to be delivered to Nasheed.
4:27pm: Riot police appear to have pulled a man out of the crowd and arrested him.
4:49pm: MDP MP and spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor has said he was not aware how long the former president planned to remain in the Indian High Commission building.
“This is the safest place for him to be until a solution is found,” he claimed. “I would speculate that a transitional arrangement for fresh elections is being sought.”
Without providing specific examples of how Nasheed’s life was in danger, MP Ghafoor contended there had been threats against the former president going back to when he was first elected in 2008.
“Right now we have militarised Special Operations (SO) police officers running the show. I do not believe [Nasheed] is safe,” he claimed. “50,000 MDP members do not trust the police either.”
After Nasheed was previously taken into police custody ahead of a court hearing back in October 2012, the former president was not reported to have been physically mistreated by authorities during his transfer to Dhoonidhoo detention facility.
President’s Office Media Secretary Masood Imad said at the time that despite allegations raised by the MDP concerning the alleged use of excessive force by police to seize the former president, authorities had insisted officers had acted with restraint.
“I’m told [Nasheed] asked for a box of cigarettes [in custody], a request that [officers] granted. He was given Benson and Hedges as I understand,” Masood previously told Minivan News.
Ghafoor also alleged that SO officers also this week entered the home of Parliamentary Speaker Abdulla Shahid in what he claimed was an attempt to intimidate the Majlis representative.
Speaker Shahid was not responding to calls from Minivan News at time of press.
The Maldives Police Service has vehemently denied allegations it had threatened Shahid in a statement published Saturday (February 9).
5:16pm: Nasheed’s trial hearing scheduled for 4:00pm today has been cancelled after he failed to attend at the specified time. The Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) confirmed the cancellation. It has yet to be rescheduled.
5:37pm: Home Minister Dr Mohamed Jameel has tweeted accusing India of meddling in Maldives’ internal affairs:
What’s happening now gives us an indication of the extent and level of interest some countries prepared to take in our internal matters
— Mohamed Jameel Ahmed (@MJameelAhmed) February 13, 2013
5:43pm: RaajjeTV reports that the government is to begin negotiating with the Indian High Commission.
5:53pm: President’s Office Media Secretary Masood Imad has said there has been no contact between the government and the Indian High Commission in Male’ today.
“All I know right know is that Mr Nasheed is in a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Dnyaneshwar M Mulay,” he said. Masood added that a message had been sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming a meeting between former President Nasheed and the high commissioner was taking place.
6:16pm: Local media has reported that the Indian naval vessel ‘Kalpei’ has arrived in the country as part of a joint operation being conducted with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
The ship is said to be taking part in a five day maritime security program that will see it help patrol the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), according to the Sun Online news service.
6:58pm: Mohamed Aslam, former Minister of Housing and Environment in Nasheed’s government, has confirmed that the opposition MDP’s National Council has today approved taking “direct action” against the government.
Aslam said the term ‘direct action’ related to a wide programme of civil disobedience, rather than one specific strategy. “The whole situation is very fluid right now. Nothing will be ruled out,” he said.
“What we are demanding is a transitional government, as well as free and fair elections that would include [former President] Nasheed.”
Aslam claimed that following a march in the capital conducted by MDP supporters on Friday (February 8), there remained widespread public support for Nasheed to contest elections scheduled for September this year.
However, he stopped short of declaring the day’s developments a “turning point” in the party’s calls for early elections. “We always hope that we have reached a turning point, whether it is today or tomorrow,” Aslam said.
7:19: WikiLeaks tweets that Nasheed has done a ‘Julian Assange’ – a reference to the whistleblowing website’s founder who sought refuge in Ecuador’s embassy in London in a bid to avoid extradition to Sweden.
Former President Nasheed of the Maldives has ‘done a Julian Assange’ and taken shelter inside the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. — WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) February 13, 2013
7:30pm: Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Muaz Ali has told Minivan News that it will not be seeking discussions with the Indian High Commission in Male’ over Nasheed’s presence on its property today.
“We have contacted the commission today. [Indian] Officials confirmed [Nasheed’s] presence and that he had come for a meeting with the high commissioner,” the spokesperson added.
Muaz said that although Nasheed had appeared to have deliberately sought to avoid his trial hearing today, the Foreign Ministry “did not think” there was a need to hold talks on the matter with Indian officials.
7:40pm: Reports on social media suggest that Nasheed’s luggage has been transferred to the Indian High Commission building in Male’. Photo by Ranreendhoo Maldives.
10:10pm: Minivan News has observed more people beginning to gather at the barricades. Crowd is chanting “money money, yes sir” and “baaghee Waheed, hang him”.
One glass bottle has been thrown over the barricade by protesters. Police look like they are preparing to charge.
10:15pm: Bottle was allegedly thrown from Majeediyya School. Police have now entered the crowd.
10:23: Minivan News observed around 700 to 800 hundred people currently at the barricades.
10:25: Former President Nasheed has called for President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik to step down from office and an interim arrangement to be established that would oversee a free and fair presidential election in the Maldives.
“The events of the past year – the mass arrests, the police brutality, the politically motivated trials – demonstrate that Dr Waheed cannot be trusted to hold a free and fair election. Waheed should do the right thing and resign from office. An interim, caretaker government should be established that can lead the Maldives to genuinely free and fair elections, in which all candidates are freely able to compete,” President Nasheed said.
President Nasheed labelled his ongoing trial “a politically motivated sham” and said the Hulhumale’ Magistrates Court – established to hear his case – was illegal and created “with the sole purpose of disqualifying me from standing in the presidential elections.”
President Nasheed said he could not hope to be afforded a fair trial and accused Waheed of “ruling down the barrel of a gun.”
President Nasheed added that “the fate of Maldivian democracy hangs in the balance” and said that “the Maldivian people must not be robbed of their democratic right to elect a leader of their choosing.”
10:42pm: Minivan News has observed around 1,500 now gathered on Sosun Magu. MDP representatives have vowed to be there “every night” while Nasheed remains in the high commission building.
11:15pm: Several MDP MPs have pledged a first-round victory for Nasheed. Speakers addressing the crowd can be heard from the other end of Sosun Magu, however there is near silence outside the Indian High Commission on Ameer Ahmed Magu, Minivan News has witnessed.
Only the shards from two smashed bottles thrown at police earlier in evening indicate any sign of conflict, while further up Ameer Ahmed Magu, a handful of officers are stationed across the road from the high commission.
11:55pm: Minivan News has observed protesters throwing bottles at police. Temporary barricades were also hurled at officers as protesters tried to make their way up to the People’s Majlis from Sosun Magu.
11:57pm: Protesters trying to make their way to parliament are met by police charges.
February 14, 00:01am: Protest is officially announced at an end for the night.
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Good luck to Nasheed. However, I'm not sure how Hamid could keep a straight face when he says "this is pre-2008 procedures".
Nasheed's downfall was precisely a result of by using a similar "procedure" to "pounce on" Ablo Gaazee. Gasim and Yameen were also "pounced on" in a similar manner post-2008! What goes around comes around...
Why don't you seek legal advice and professional guidance from Thoddu Bandiyaa Group.
For all the good it would make!
I am not confused ? I thought Nasheed is a Maldivian and not an indian ?
May be his last trip to India was to change his nationality from a Maldivian to Indian?
There are other embassies in Maldives and why did he need to seek assistance from Indian Embassy ?.
Nasheed himself knows that he has violated our laws when he was in power and the fact he ask to postpone his trial after 2018 is clear proof and acceptance of his crime.
This guy is crazy for power and he now had taste of lavish life style of President and the power and will never give up him dream of becoming the president again.
seek exile in SRII LANKA OR INDIA .
Filthy, stinking Waheed and his goons. This is Waheed's version of an election campaign - knock out the opposition so they can't stand against him. The coward.
I wonder what Nasheed hopes to accomplish by 'seeking advice' from the indian High Commission. I believe India was the first to officially recognize the present government, and I do not feel that asylum status is likely for Nasheed. Whether India would standby its international obligation under non-refoulement to keep Nasheed inside the Embassy is to be seen!
Retweeted by Aishath Velezinee
I wonder what Nasheed hopes to accomplish by 'seeking advice' from the indian High Commission. I believe India was the first to officially recognize the present government, and I do not feel that asylum status is likely for Nasheed. Whether India would standby its international obligation under non-refoulement to keep Nasheed inside the Embassy is to be seen!
Issue and Interpol red notice and get this worm our of the hole!
@observe
There are very limited number of foreign embassies in Maldives, as far as my information goes. Even amongst them, there are fewer options for him to be safe. Seeking Indian asylum is the second best option for him. Best is to keep dragging this issue till it becomes noticeable to other (more powerful) countries and Maldivian govt is forced to stand back. On a neutral perspective, Nasheed vs Waheed is hell bent on destroying Maldives - unless you Maldivians start acting soon.
“The MDP reiterates its belief that the arrest warrant and the charges against him are politically motivated and calls on the international community to remain vigilant and immediately intervene to ensure a free and fair trial for President Nasheed,” the party said.
There's no such thing as a free and fair trail. It's just fair trial.
LOL, he thinks hes julian assange.. moron
the Maldives is the most powerful country in the region. Power global vested interests back Maumoonism. The government of H.E Rahul Gandhi backs, and gives quiet consent.
No egregious incidents will take place. Even if Embassy is entered nothing will happen. Whether we will enter cannot be stated.
The insolent brats in India who are making bullying comments against such a geographically small state, to make themselves feel powerful (is that power?) maybe cannot see how crippled India in its own right is. The 30 million strong hindu extremist middle class, holding hostage 700 million inferior races and poor folk is talking to itself in the mirror.
we have university graduates educated in political science who also advise us. we know the basic rules of international relations also.
by the time China is done with you, we will assume command of South India even. The dravidians will be given charge of Delhi then. get the picture/
Ismail Fulu.
You all must sturdy Interpol Laws and constitution.
According to Interpol constitution prohibits any intervention or activities of Political, Military,Religious, or Racial Character.
You think Interpol HQ is Gayooms own Property?
I hope India will act with responsibility as power comes with responsibility. The Maldivian are some bunch of idiots with fish brain and would do anything to harm a peaceful man. These fish heads have to be a lesson that the world cannot tolerate madness of crazy people.
@Dalit Superpower on Wed, 13th Feb 2013 4:00 PM
"we have university graduates educated in political science who also advise us."
That explains your problems. When did politics become a science? "political science" is an oxymoron!
"we know the basic rules of international relations also."
Maybe, one of these days, you'll move on from the basic stage to an intermediate level. Till then, good luck.
The only way out: give protection to Nasheed, if possible send delegation, but not troops to Maldives( Maldives is still a friendly nation). A tri-party agreement should be signed between Waheed, India and Nasheed, promising the safety and justice to Nasheed during the future judicial proceeding, India should also ensure, that no death or severe penalties should be imposed on him and an election should be held democratically in the nation to let the people choose their leader. Maldives as a country should not be taken for a ride either by Nasheed or Wahid, its people are the only one to choose their leader.
Drama drama drama of the psychopath Nasheed to the max, he really has the brain of a dead fish, y doesn't he leave Maldives and become an actor in Bollywood!
The pro Maumoon/Yameen alliance cannot compete with anni on equal terms. The only way they can hope to win more time in govt is by knocking out Anni. Those people are so pathetic. Anni was fully justified in arresting that Qaazee. But he won't get a fair trial. Awsome move, President Nasheed !
first it was an Indian company deal, now the ex-president..why is such a small land full of greed and power showcase? whats wrong with you guys!!!is any native maldivian say who is the right guy ??
A reckless move by Nasheed.
Not only has Nasheed put India in a tough spot, he will be forever accused of selling himself to India - not a very popular stand to take by a Maldivian who aspires to be President.
Nasheed may avoid arrest but lost politically. He would have gained more popularity being arrested.
A big useless Coward!!!
The right guy is Waheed Vinod. He doesn't look picturesque, but he conducts himself with patience. He has not tried to destroy the country while others have done so. Unfortunately not being photogenic means he gets less votes while the other clowns will get more.
Very positive gesture by Indian High Commission!
Politrics at its best on both the sides!
I still wonder why these two countries could throw away so easily all the relations built over several years for political greed of few politicians.
As an average Maldivian, I did not like the way GMR was given access, the way it was sent out, and also the way the Airport is being managed now.
Also the punitive steps Indian government has taken against the Maldivian common man (by restricting the Visas, stoppage of the various quotas) is making the Maldivians think beyond what they were doing before. Many are opting to travel to Malaysia and other destinations.
Wake up! punishing the innocent for the mistake of another doesn't serve the purpose.
Also the possibility of Nasheed or Waheed not getting elected exists.
Could that ahmed jameel whoever please tweet in English and not in Fuanglish?
and the traitor is......
Whatever anyone says our democracy was hijacked on Feb 7th and we entered an era of violence on levels previously unseen in our history. As a people we have been dehumanized by this shameless brutality by petrified thieves hiding behind the "institutions" of democracy while getting those who are supposed to protect us to brandish arms. Its time to maintain a stand against these thugs. Nasheed is right to try and defend himself in this increasingly sick atmosphere... judging from the comments being slung around.. no more proof needed whatsoever.
Dear Friends.
Re tweeting a countrymans post from another article;
I am an Indian living in UK and have Maldivian friends in UK and in India. India does not and will never have a big brother attitude towards our Maldivian brothers. We have always and will always be there by the side of every Maldivian. i am sorry I am not very literate in this particular matter, however I can say for every common Indian that we will never want to see an unstable Maldives. Thanks
Brilliant move by President Nasheed!
whether its politically motivated or not, any person who had committed a crime need to be brought to justice and no one should be made above the law.