Opposition approaches British envoy to seek 'justice' for Yameen

Top opposition officials on Wednesday shared their concerns with British ambassador to the Maldives Caron Röhsler, accusing the government of acting to accuse former president Abdulla Yameen of accepting bribes and money laundering and depriving him of a chance to run for president this year.

Members of the opposition coalition met Röhsler and expressed concern that the government had interfered with Yameen's trial by illegally imprisoning him and not getting a free and fair trial.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the ambassador, PPM Vice President and Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam said that he had met several foreign envoys as part of their efforts to ensure justice for Yameen.

According to him, the outside world believes that Yameen has "selective justice".

"There won't be a door that we won't knock on for President Yameen President Yameen is the only hope for the people of Maldives today," Shiyam said.

Yameen's first vice president and one of his lawyers were among those who met the British ambassador. Mohamed Jameel, former economy minister Mohamed Saeed, former defence minister and Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef were also present on the occasion.

 The opposition also met ambassadors of European Union countries in Colombo, the capital of neighbouring Sri Lanka, to demand justice for Yameen. In meetings held by the opposition coalition with international stakeholders, the opposition's presidential candidate is Yameen and there is no second choice.