AMN / MALE
In another blow to President Abdulla Yameen, Maldivian Supreme Court asked him to comply with its order to release political prisoners and reinstate dissident lawmakers. It said there should be no legal barrier to prevent the enforcement of its last week ruling to release nine opposition leaders and re-try them in court. The government had expressed concerns over the judicial order and resisted complying with it.
Security forces have been deployed inside the national Parliament – known as the People’s Majlis – since March last year when Yameen ordered them to evict dissident lawmakers.Former President and current opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed described the government’s refusal to obey the Supreme Court as a “coup”.
Nasheed, who was controversially convicted of a terrorism charge and jailed for 13 years in 2015, urged police and troops to uphold the constitution. Maldives Joint Opposition have submitted a no-confidence motion against the Attorney General, the Prosecutor General, Home Minister and the Defence Minister for refusing to implement the Supreme Court ruling.
The Supreme court clarification has made it clear that there is no hurdle in implementation of its Thursday ruling. On the other hand, Maldives government has shown no intent to release the opposition leaders and begin retrial. This has led to constitutional breakdown and military is seen all over the capital city of Male.
Opposition parties have sought international help and are trying to rally people on the streets to pressurize the government. They have also brought the no-confidence motion against key officials of President Yameen administration but with Parliament under indefinite suspension, there is no hope of motion being taken up.