The opposition Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) coalition has complained to the European Union (EU) representatives over the alleged government influence in the trial of jailed former President Abdulla Yameen.
PPM spokesperson Heena Waleed said the coalition held a meeting with the EU mission in Maldives on Thursday and expressed concerns on three main issues including the alleged government influence in Yameen's trial.
They also expressed concern over the Supreme Court's ruling to uphold Yameen's candidacy rejection by the Elections Commission. The coalition claimed the decision came due to the government's influence.
They further underlined the imprisonment of the opposition leader while the country prepares for the presidential election. The election is scheduled to be held on September 9.
Yameen was jailed by the Criminal Court after being found guilty of bribery. He is serving an 11-year prison sentence. The appeals are ongoing in the High Court.
Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed last week appealed to the EU delegation to help transfer Yameen to house arrest.
But Nacho Sanchez Amor, Member of the European Parliament and Chief Observer of the European Union’s Co-Team for the Presidential Election said the case is now in the courts and the delegation will not interfere in the judiciary under any circumstances.
"We came here to observe. We will not comment on the internal affairs of Maldives. President Yameen's case is in court. We will not comment on the affairs of the judiciary," Nacho said.
