Faris Maumoon, opposition politician in the Maldives was sentenced to four months and 24 days for identity fraud on 27 June 2018 in proceedings that raise questions about fair trial standards. He was accused of illegally using the flag and logo of the Progressive Party of Maldives during a press conference held on 22 March 2017 after his expulsion from it.
The conviction flies in the face of a Supreme Court ruling that ordered the release and retrial of Faris Maumoon and eight other members of the political opposition. The Supreme Court ruled that they were “convicted in breach of the Constitution and Maldives’ international obligations under various international human rights treaties” and of the opinion that the investigations were politically motivated.
Refusing to implement the verdict, the government has since arrested and convicted the Chief Justice and another Supreme Court judge.
