Maldives parliament strips ex-presidential benefits for opposition leader
Shortly after the amendments to withdraw privileges and state benefits were passed at today’s sitting of parliament, the opposition leader tweeted: “I have always believed that respect and privilege come from within the hearts of the people. It is not something that can be created or abolished by a law.”
06 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Former President Mohamed Nasheed hit back at a law stripping him of state benefits and privileges, saying: “I have always believed that respect and privilege come from the people. It is not something that can be created or abolished by a law.”
The ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives-dominated parliament approved today amendments to the 2009 Privileges and Protection for Former Presidents Act to withdraw state benefits for ex-presidents convicted and sentenced to jail for a criminal offence committed during his presidency.
Nasheed was was found guilty of terrorism in March 2015 over the military’s detention of a judge during his tenure and sentenced to 13 years in prison.
The amendments proposed by PPM MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed was passed with 43 votes in favour. Some 23 opposition MPs voted against the bill.
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