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India Expresses Concerns Over Former Maldives President's Detention And 'Manhandling'

India Expresses Concerns Over Former Maldives President's Detention And 'Manhandling'
Former Maldivian president and presidential candidate Mohamed Nasheed speaks to the press in Male on November 10, 2013. The Maldives Supreme Court suspended November 10 run-off presidential elections, a day after former president Mohamed Nasheed won the first round in his bid to return to power after being toppled 21 months ago. The highest court also suggested the second round be re-scheduled for next week as demanded by a defeated candidate. AFP PHOTO/Ishara S. KODIKARA (Photo credit should read Ishara S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)
ISHARA S.KODIKARA via Getty Images
Former Maldivian president and presidential candidate Mohamed Nasheed speaks to the press in Male on November 10, 2013. The Maldives Supreme Court suspended November 10 run-off presidential elections, a day after former president Mohamed Nasheed won the first round in his bid to return to power after being toppled 21 months ago. The highest court also suggested the second round be re-scheduled for next week as demanded by a defeated candidate. AFP PHOTO/Ishara S. KODIKARA (Photo credit should read Ishara S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)

MALE, Maldives: Police in the Maldives have dragged the country's former president into a court, which ordered his detention throughout his trial over a decision to arrest a senior judge three years ago.

Mohamed Nasheed was arrested Sunday and charged under an anti-terrorism law, AP reported.

He was brought to Criminal Court on Monday for the first hearing, and was dragged into the courtroom after he resisted police attempts to stop him from speaking to journalists gathered outside.

The three-judge panel gave Nasheed three days to name his lawyers.

The Maldives government says the anti-terrorism law covers not only violent terrorism, but a wide array of actions against the state.

Nasheed resigned as president in 2012 following weeks of public protests against his order to arrest the top Criminal Court judge.

India on Monday said it was concerned over recent developments in the Maldives, including the "arrest and manhandling" of former President Mohamed Nasheed, and asked all the involved to resolve their differences within the constitutional framework.

"We are concerned at recent developments in the Maldives, including the arrest and manhandling of former President Nasheed. We urge all concerned to calm the situation and resolve their differences within the constitutional and legal framework of Maldives," Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry Syed Akbaruddin said.

India reiterates its commitment to supporting the people and the government of Maldives in their quest for peace, development, prosperity and democracy, he added.

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