Maldives: Former President Gayoom convicted for obstruction of justice June 13

Event

Former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was sentenced on Wednesday, June 13, to 19 months in prison after being convicted of obstructing justice. Gayoom was convicted alongside two Supreme Court Justices for refusing to hand over their mobile phones for a police investigation. Opposition supporters consider the trial to be politically motivated, which have also been criticized by international actors for their lack of transparency. Protests against the ruling are possible in the coming days.

Context

On February 5, a building political crisis prompted Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen to declare a 15-day state of emergency and to subsequently order the arrests of Gayoom, two Supreme Court judges, and the chief judicial administrator. Though the state of emergency expired in late March, the political situation in the Maldives remains tense.

The political opposition has accused Yameen of using the country's security forces to "cling onto power." As all of Yameen's potential opponents are either in jail or in exile, Yameen is expected to run virtually unopposed for reelection this September. In recent years, political protests and demonstrations have become common in Malé, the capital city. Some have led to violence and arrests.

Advice

Individuals present in the Maldives, notably Malé, are advised to avoid all public gatherings and rallies as they may turn violent, keep abreast of the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.