MDP hints deal to free Nasheed

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party has hinted a deal with the government that could free former President Mohamed Nasheed, currently serving a 13 year Jail sentence.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s Fala Surukhee program, Deputy Chairman of MDP Mohamed Shifaz said that “with the current political dialogue with the government, what party members hope for most might come true”.

After the 3rd round of discussions, MDP representative MP Ibrahim Mohamed Salih also said that with the talks he hopes all citizens will be able to enjoy Independence Day in the true spirit of freedom.

Political analysts have been speculating of compromises between the government and opposition MDP with the transfer of President Nasheed to house arrest to seek medical attention.

Nasheed was first transferred to house arrest for three days, but right after MDP announced it was ready to go into official dialogue with the government and a day prior to the controversial vote on the First Amendment to the Constitution, Nasheed’s house arrest was increased for two months and MDP overnight changed its position on the amendment and voted in favour of the Bill.

Sources within thin MDP and the government confirmed that unofficial talks were held prior to the events, which saw the National Council of MDP vote to go ahead with the official talks.

Speaking on RaajjeTV on Thursday, Shifaz said what members need to worry about in the current situation is not who will be the next Vice President, but should instead focus on what the party is and what its members stand for.

He said that members should understand that MDP is a political party and to achieve its long-term goals, political compromises must be made.

Analysts say, with that line, it is safe to assume that MDP is working on a deal with the government to bargain Nasheed’s freedom to a vote on the government’s choice of Vice President.

While Shifaz or MP Ibrahim Salih has not specifically mentioned that a Presidential Pardon on Nasheed’s jail sentence was in the works, international pressure is also mounting on the government to free Nasheed.

RaajjeTV last week learnt that a team from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on various government officials including the Attorney General and Foreign Secretary to discuss clemency on Nasheed.

The team led by Chief of Rule of Law Division of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Mona Rishwami also met with Nasheed at his residence, before they concluded their two day trip.

Nasheed’s international team of lawyers has also petitioned his trial and detention at the UN Working group of Arbitrary Detention.

An official response to the petition by the government of Maldives has also been submitted and the case is set to be deliberated at the Working Group’s next session in August.