January 18 2016
On 17 January at approximately 5:30pm, President Nasheed was given two written declarations by the Maldives Correctional Service.
President Nasheed, in the presence of 4 of his lawyers and 3 members of the Maldives Correctional Service, signed the first declaration agreeing to return upon completion of his medical treatment and to keep the Government informed of his condition.
President Nasheed however refused to allow a member of his family to sign the second document.
The second declaration required President Nasheed’s relative to remain in Male’ until President Nasheed returned from the UK. The relative, who would have to act as a guardian, would be responsible for handing President Nasheed over to the MCS upon his return to the Maldives. The guardian would be liable for criminal prosecution if they left Male’ without the permission of the MCS, effectively leaving the family member as a hostage who would have to remain in detention within Male’.
President Nasheed told members of his family that he wasnt prepared to put their freedom in jeopardy in order to secure his own.
The Government yesterday reneged on their initial assurances to the international community and President Nasheed to allow him to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment unconditionally.
Translation of MCS guardian declaration document