EU observers say no authority to help free Yameen
At the EU mission's first press conference in Male, chief observer Nacho Sánchez Amor denied commenting on Yameen's imprisonment.
Despite Speaker Mohamed Nasheed's request for seeking assistance of an EU observation mission to transfer former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who is serving an 11-year jail sentence for money laundering and accepting a bribe, to house arrest, the mission on Thursday said they would not intervene in case at the judicial process.
Nasheed made the request at a meeting on Monday with the election observation mission, including chief observer Nacho Sánchez Amor, that is visiting the Maldives to observe the September 9 presidential election.
In a statement, the parliament secretariat said Nasheed cited Yameen's transfer to house as important for a fair and free election.
No further details of the meeting were given.
At the EU mission's first press conference in Male, chief observer Nacho Sánchez Amor denied commenting on Yameen's imprisonment.
"Our mission is about election observation, and as I said, we cannot in any way, pass this scope. The situation of President Yameen is an ongoing judicial process and we are not entitled in any way, to make any comment on the judiciary process," he said.
Sánchez Amor said the observation mission underscores the EU's commitment to supporting the democratic process and the country's democratic institutions.
"This election is an opportunity to further consolidate democracy in the country. I hope that all state authorities and practical parties will play their part in supporting a credible, inclusive and transparent election process, and will promote respect for human rights," he said.
Speaking at a campaign rally of his Democrats party in GDh. Gaddhoo last week, Nasheed accused PPM-PNC leadership of not doing enough to secure Yameen's release.
"If you work with the Democrats, within a week of signing the coalition deal, we'll bring President Yameen home, even if I've to be on the streets of Male," the former president had said.
The PPM-PNC leadership has slammed Nasheed's remarks as an attempt to sway votes in the favour of Democrats presidential candidate Ilyas Labeeb by "exploiting" Yameen's imprisonment.
