UN calls on Maldives government to respect Supreme Court decision

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 3 (APP):Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Saturday called on the Maldivian government to respect a Supreme Court ruling ordering the release of convicted opposition leaders, saying the UN was ready to help ease the political impasse in the country.
The Secretary-General takes note of the important ruling by the Supreme Court and calls on the Government to respect it, a statement issued by his Spokesman St phane Dujarric said.
The Secretary-General reiterates his belief in finding a solution to the political stalemate in the Maldives through all-party talks, which the United Nations continues to stand ready to facilitate, the statement added.
The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the convictions of senior Maldivian opposition figures were questionable and politically motivated, overturned those verdicts, and ordered new trials. It also reinstated 12 parliamentarians who were expelled for defecting from President Abdulla Yameen’s party.
The court ruling represents a major setback for President Yameen, and paves the way for the return of his rival Mohamed Nasheed — whom he controversially defeated in 2013.
On Friday, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) also urged the Government of the Maldives to fully respect the Supreme Court decision, which also overturned the conviction of former President Mohamed Nasheed and ordered to retry his case.
We are concerned by what appears to be an initial heavy-handed reaction by security forces in the capital Mal against people celebrating the Court’s decision, Spokesperson Rupert Colville told reporters at a press briefing in Geneva, Switzerland, urging them to show understanding and restraint, and to act in full accordance with international laws and standards governing the policing of protests and other forms of public assembly.
“We also urge all those celebrating, or protesting, to do so in a peaceful fashion,” he added.