New Delhi, Feb. 2 (TNS): India on Friday said it was “closely monitoring” the volatile situation that has arisen in Maldives after the country’s Supreme Court overturned the convictions of political prisoners, including that of its exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed.
“In the spirit of democracy and rule of law, it is imperative for all organs of the Government of Maldives to respect and abide by the order of the apex court,” Indian ministry of external affairs said in a statement, adding that India “wishes to see a stable, peaceful and prosperous Maldives.”
Indian MEA also asked the Maldivian authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian expatriates in the country.
In its order, the court said that the prisoners’ ‘guilty’ verdicts had been “influenced” by the government.
The ruling by the Maldivian Supreme Court on Thursday night led to clashes between opponents of the country’s government and its police in the capital Male on Friday. The former were demanding the release of the imprisoned politicians.
The clashes broke out after President Yameen Abdul Gayoom fired the country’s police chief, whose department had announced that it would uphold the Supreme Court verdict.
The government said in a statement it was trying to “vet and clarify” the court’s ruling and “will work to engage, and consult with, the Supreme Court in order to comply with the ruling in line with proper procedure and the rule of law.”
