 |
| Mohamed Nasheed [File Photo] |
Male: Maldives’ first democratically-elected
President Mohamed Nasheed has been arrested for ignoring a court summons.
Nasheed, 45, was arrested at an Island of Gaafu
Dhaalu Atoll, south of Maldives by Maldivian police.
A court issued the warrant for his arrest after
he failed for a second time to turn up to his trial, Nasheed is facing charges
in abuse of power while in office.
If charges levelled against him will prove,
Nasheed could be sentenced to a maximum of three years in jail or banished to a
remote island or a fine not exceeding MVR 2,000.
Last week, the Hulhumale Magistrate Court
ordered Nasheed to appear at a hearing and not leave the capital, Male, without
the court's permission. Nasheed defied both orders.
He refused to appear before a three-judge bench set up to hear charges that he
abused his power while in office.
Nasheed's supporters have been demanding
early elections by holding protests but President Mohammed Waheed Hassan has
said he will not hold elections before July 2013.
But, a conviction could disqualify him from
contesting future presidential polls.