Maldives invites international agencies to observe ex-president's appeal of jail sentence
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Maldives government has invited the United Nations and other international organizations to observe the former president's appeal of his 13-year jail sentence.
The United States, European Union and others have raised concerns about the court process that found Mohamed Nasheed guilty of ordering the arrest of a senior judge when he was in office three years ago. The court said the arrest was akin to abduction under the country's terrorism law.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday that it has invited the United Nations and the Commonwealth to send representatives to observe the appeal hearing.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Nasheed's lawyers must appeal the sentence by Sunday. His supporters say the court ruling was politically motivated.