Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leader and former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed was escorted by police to Criminal Court for his trial this evening.

President Nasheed, along with some key members of his administration face terrorism charges for the wrongful detention of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed three years ago – during his term as president.

Speaking to News1st the former President’s wife stated that lawyers were not allowed to represent Mohamed Nasheed and because of this he went into court along. She added that the former President fell down and twisted his arm and that when she contacted him, Nasheed had said that he had not been treated for his injury. Mrs Nasheed went on to note that a protest has been planned for the 27th of this month against the detention.

Maldivian media reported that he was seen falling to the ground as police escorted him into court when he suddenly stopped when faced by reports. However he fell to the ground in the ensuing struggle and had his shirt torn when the Special Operations officers escorting him attempted to forcefully drag him into court, despite him repeatedly saying he wanted to go in on his own.

Local media also reported that protests around the Criminal Court area got heated with allegations that Nasheed was brutalized when taken into court.

Though some protesters still remain in the area, police have blocked the area where the court building is situated.

The Maldivian Democratic Party issuing a media release stated that they deplore the blatant denial of due process by the Maldives Prosecutor General, the Police and Maldives government for President Mohamed Nasheed. The MDP also repeated its call to expedite the former President’s immediate release.

The MDP charges that the current administration is denying Mohamed Nasheed the right of access to defense lawyers. Nasheed was arrested Sunday in Male’ by the Police citing a warrant from Maldives Criminal Court.

According to the MDP the warrant stated that charges of terrorism had been brought against President Mohamed Nasheed. The warrant further stated that his arrest was warranted upon concerns of him absconding from Court and that he may go into hiding.

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