The Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court has declined President Mohamed Nasheed’s requet to travel abroad on Tuesday morning. The lawyers requested for a leave of absence from the 27th of February – 5th March 2013.

President Nasheed’s request for permission to travel abroad was at the invitation of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Anasy Media Productions of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. President Nasheed was invited to be the guest of honour and speak at the opening of the Cultural Season 2013, which chose The Island President to be screened at the opening of this season.

“It is deeply regrettable that President Nasheed was unable to attend this event which showcases a global issue through the Maldives lens. The film has brought our country to the spotlight on climate change dialogue. The world wants to know what happened in the Copenhagen climate summit and the role Maldives played in the Copenhagen Agreement” said Mariya Didi MP, President Nasheed’s spokesperson.

Members of the International community including the Governments of India, United Kingdom, United States, the European Union have expressed their hope for President Nasheed to be able to resume his social and political life following India-led mediation between the political parties and the Government last week. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Gabriela Knaul, stated, ‘I was struck to hear how little trust the public has in the justice system in the Maldives. Justice must not merely be done but must also be seen to be done’.

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