Maldives opposition complains of politically motivated charges against ex-president

Male, July 17 (Xinhua-ANI): Maldives main opposition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Tuesday complained that the ruling regime filed a politically motivated charge against country's former President Mohamed Nasheed in a bid to prevent him from election.

"The charge against former President Nasheed is politically motivated and aimed solely at trying to remove him from politics," said MDP spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor.

A charge was filed against Nasheed recently over the arrest of Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed in January.

"We strongly condemns the regime of Mohamed Waheed for instigating politically motivated charges against former President Nasheed in an apparent attempt to prevent him standing in the next general election," said Ghafoor.

Maldives Prosecutor General charged Nasheed for putting Abdulla Mohamed under 22 days of military detention in January. His arrest led to protests that finally resulted in the ouster of Nasheed on February 7 and his Vice President Mohamed Waheed taking over the presidency.

The MDP also blamed the judiciary of Indian Ocean archipelago for being biased.

The Maldives has seen political instability since the controversial power change in February and in the latest development from July 8, MDP supporters led by Nasheed are conducting street fights in the capital Male demanding Waheed to step down and hold an early election. (Xinhua-ANI)