Maldives court acquits former president Mohamed Nasheed in terror case

Maldives Supreme Court acquitted former President Mohamed Nasheed on Monday as it quashed the controversial terror charge against him.

The court ruled that Mr. Nasheed was wrongfully charged and the criminal court should not have proceeded to trial. 

The former President was sentenced to 13-year jail sentence when the criminal court found him guilty of ordering the arrest of a criminal court judge when he was in power.

He was greeted by his supporters when he emerged from the courthouse after the judgment this afternoon. He told reporters that his political career was not over, praising the courage and unshakable resolve of the public for



securing his freedom. 

He asserted the judgment makes clear that he was put on trial by the influence of former president Abdulla Yameen. 

Mr. Nasheed was debarred from contesting Presidential elections held in September due to his conviction and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, named as an alternative candidate defeated Yameen. 

The court had suspended Mr. Nasheed sentence last month and cleared the way for his return to Maldives after nearly three years in exile. 

The 19-day trial in March 2015 was widely criticised over apparent violations of due process.