Maldives Supreme Court orders release of jailed politicians

[Ghost Dog]

... The Maldives Supreme Court has ordered the immediate release and retrial of the exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed and opposition leaders.

In a statement, the court declared that their original trials violated constitutional and international law.

It also nullified a decision which resulted in 12 lawmakers losing their seats - effectively giving opposition politicians a majority in parliament.

Opposition supporters took to the streets to celebrate the ruling.

But their jubilation on the streets of the capital Male was quickly contained by police using tear gas...

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42912911

... Rule of Law... Or rule or politics/corrupt economics...

[Ghost Dog]

1. The government is "reviewing" the court order...

Shortly after the ruling the police announced on Twitter that they were satisfied with the legality of the ruling and would enforce it.

However, the police commissioner Ahmed Areef was then dismissed by Attorney General Mohamed Anil at a hastily convened late-night press conference.

Attorney General Anil said Ahmed Areef had been sacked because he was uncontactable following the court order. Local media reported that he also said the president was "disheartened" by the police commissioner's decision to enforce the ruling.

The attorney general said the government was reviewing the court order.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42912911

[Eugene]

2. link updated: Maldives police disperse crowds celebrating court's freeing of opposition leaders

Maldives police disperse crowds celebrating court's freeing of opposition leaders

1 hour ago

Maldives police have fired tear gas at crowds of opposition supporters celebrating a Supreme Court ruling.

A reporter said police told crowds they would "not be responsible for damage inflicted by using force".

The court ordered the immediate release and retrial of the exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed and other opposition leaders.

It said their trials had violated the constitution. The opposition says they were politically motivated.

The court decision effectively restores the opposition's majority in parliament, reinstating 12 members who had been stripped of their seats.

-snip-

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42912911

[Ghost Dog]

3. Mohamed Nasheed

and his people are heroic.