Maldives ex-president Mohamed Nasheed returns from asylum

The first democratically elected president of the Maldives has returned home after more than two years in exile to escape a long prison term.

The plane carrying Mohamed Nasheed from Sri Lanka landed in Maldives’ capital, Male, on Thursday.

He was welcomed by his party members and supporters.

Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in jail in 2015 after being convicted of terrorism for ordering the arrest of a top judge in 2012 while he was president.

Also Read | Indo-Pacific: India has no extra-territorial ambitions, says Army Chief General Bipin Rawat

His trial was criticised internationally for lack of due process.

He was offered asylum in Britain when he travelled there for medical treatment on leave from prison.

Nasheed was elected president in the country’s first multiparty election in 2008. His return follows the election defeat of strongman Yameen Abdul Gayoom.