In a desperate bit the ruling Party PPM's Vice President Abdul Raheem Abdulla and spokesman faced the press on Wednesday. Speaking to the press, spokesman Ali Arif said, that they were deeply saddened by the reaction of the some countries in the International community who dispute the case against Nasheed as politically motivated.
Responding to a query from the press, the Vice President said, “Anyone can take former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to court for any atrocities committed during his tenure in office”. He was referring to the Jail unrest of September 20, 2003 in which Gayoom issued orders to shoot at the crowd to curb the unrest killing 3 and injuring 17 inmates. The parents of one of whom has now filed a case against Gayoom with the PG.
Whether the PG will take the matter to court remains to be seen.
Former President Nasheed has been in detention now for more than 20 days, and his trial is put on fast track. Amidst nightly violent demonstrations in the capital city by supporter of Mr. Nasheed, the Court goes into session in the afterhours. Allegations has been raised by opposition MDP that the Prosecutor General and Judges presiding over Nasheed’s case were seen discussing the case in a popular smokers café in Male, PG denies the allegations.
Nasheed's team of lawyers has left the case claiming the courts fast track policy doesn’t give them sufficient time to do research and prepare themselves for the daily hearing.
The Fast Track sessions is seen as a method of mounting pressure on the defense lawyers to weaken the case for President Nasheed.
The Court issued a statement on Wednesday that the final hearing is on the way this week, a Court ruling is expected on the case as early as next week (3week of March).
If guilty, Nasheed would be jailed for 10 to 15 years.
Despite the massive publicity and media campaign by the government against Nasheed, he remains a popular figure.
Nasheed is viewed by the public as a victim of the PPM struggle to keep control on the country for the next thirty years.
PPM is headed by former President Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who ran the country with a tight fist.
PPM nominee for President for the 2013 elections Gayoom’s half-brother Yameen was elected President with a difference of 6022 votes in the runoff against Mohamed Nasheed.
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