The Maldives High Court today ruled that the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court is a legitimate court. In an unanimous decision, the High Court bench ruled against the appeal filed by President Nasheed and upheld the precedent set by the Supreme Court in December 2012. President Nasheed stated, ‘today’s judgement by the Maldives High Court clearly means I will not be allowed a fair trial.’ President Nasheed’s legal team have stated that they will be filing an appeal at the Supreme Court.
Immediately following today’s ruling, President Nasheed was served summons to attend the Hulhumale’ Magistrate court on 10 February.
President Nasheed’s spokesperson Mariya Didi said, ‘In a move which looked very much as if the Courts are following the instructions of the Government, the High Court ruled the Hulhumale’ Court as legal after holding only two successive hearings to conclude the case. It now seems as if the Hulhumale’ Court had prepared summons before the High Court judgement was even delivered. Today was a travesty of justice and demonstrates how much President Nasheed’s case is a politically motivated trial.’
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Please see the following statements for more information on the appeal filed by President Nasheed
President Nasheed Appeals High Court to Prevent National Injustice
President Nasheed’s Legal Team Urges to Ensure a Fair Judicial Process
President Nasheed Expresses Concerns Over Supreme Court Case on Hulhumale’ Court