London, UK,, 16 July 2015;
The Government of Maldives welcomes the constructive remarks made by The Honourable Ian Paisley, MP, who is also a member of the Maldives All Party Parliamentary Group, at the UK Parliament.
Speaking at the House of Commons on Tuesday, 14 July, in response to remarks made by Minister of State at the Foreign Office, Mr Hugo Swire, Mr Paisley emphasised the severity of the offence committed by former President Nasheed while in office, and appealed to the UK Government to allow the judicial process to run its course.
“….the kidnapping and holding of a judge is a very serious affair, and we should therefore allow the rule of law to determine the outcome of the case of former President Nasheed.” said Mr Paisley.
Mr Paisley then went on to suggest that the main focus of the UK Government’s foreign policy in the Maldives should be on improving trade relations instead of intervening in the domestic judicial process.
The Government of Maldives once again reiterates that Mr Nasheed has not been the victim of a politicised process and that law cannot be applied selectively. The rule of law must apply to any person alleged to have committed a criminal offence, irrespective of their political status.
Ends