Maldives court releases ex-president

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The Maldives' top court on Thursday ordered the release of nine key political prisoners in a surprise move that cleared the way for exiled former leader Mohamed Nasheed to run for president.

The atoll nation's joint opposition welcomed the surprise ruling, which has also granted them a parliamentary majority and stunned the government of strongman President Abdulla Yameen.

"The Supreme Court's verdict effectively ends President Yameen's authoritarian rule," the opposition said in a statement calling for his resignation.

The Maldives' popular image as an upmarket holiday paradise had been severely damaged by a major crackdown on dissent under Yameen, who has overseen the jailing of almost all the political opposition.

Former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed (M) arrives for a press conference in Colombo, on Jan. 22, 2018. /AFP Photo

Yameen's spokesman, Ibrahim Hussain Shihab, said the court had made its decision without hearing out the government.

"While the ruling makes significant implications on various points of constitutional import and criminal justice procedures, it was issued without representation of the state from either the Attorney General or the Prosecutor General," Shihab said in a statement.

However, he said the administration "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."

On the tiny streets of the capital Male, there were celebrations. Hundreds of opposition activists took to the streets and were quickly pushed back by police who fired teargas.

Nasheed, who is currently in neighboring Sri Lanka, urged his supporters to avoid confrontation with the police.

"President Yameen must abide by this ruling and resign," Nasheed said on Twitter.

"Urge all citizens to avoid confrontation and engage in peaceful political activity."

Nasheed, who is living in self-imposed exile, was sentenced to 13 years in jail on a terrorism charge widely criticized as politically motivated.

In its order, seen by AFP, the Supreme Court said the "questionable and politically motivated nature of the trials of the political leaders warrant a retrial".

The court ordered authorities to immediately free nine jailed leaders.

Source(s): AFP