Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb's international legal team has revealed that he is seeking asylum from India.
Adeeb was detained in Tuticorin, India as he attempted to enter India via sea route on a tug boat.
The law firm representing Adeeb 'Guernica 37' released a statement late Wednesday stating that Adeeb has sought the protection of India and initiated the process of claiming asylum. They also called upon the United Nations to act with diligence in considering his application and to ensure that his rights are protected.
The statement issued on behalf of Adeeb said the media reports of Adeeb being arrested in India after having fled the Maldives are inaccurate.
Confirming Adeeb is seeking asylum from India and the UN, the statement read that the police has been attempting to coerce him into making false statements.
It further highlighted that Adeeb was imprisoned for over three year over various allegations, and that he was recently acquitted by the Supreme court of all offences. However, Adeeb has remained under house arrest following an appeal being lodged by the Prosecutor General against the acquittal, said the statement.
"It is of particular concern that following this the authorities forced him to sign an agreement with a clause that he could only receive necessary medical treatment if he signed the agreement", it stated.
The statement further accused Maldives Police Service of seeking to coerce him into signing documents that would amount to a false admission of guilt.
Reminding India that they must consider Adeeb's application for asylum in accordance with relevant national and international rules, they requested India to offer protection to Adeeb and not return him to Maldives while his application is under review.
Adeeb is seeking asylum while Maldives Police Service has announced that they have begun efforts to bring Adeeb back to Maldives.
A statement released by the police earlier on Wednesday said Adeeb was detained during his attempt to flee while he has an active travel ban imposed by the Supreme Court of Maldives. He had failed to appear for an investigation interview session scheduled by Maldives Police Service, it further read.
Maldives Police Service is engaging with international partners to bring Adeeb back to Maldives, they said. They assured that all persons involved in aiding Adeeb to flee the country will be subject to criminal investigation.
Adeeb fled to India after the Supreme Court acquitted him of all convictions. There was no news of Adeeb since Wednesday afternoon, it has been reported.
Records show the tugboat Adeeb traveled to India in, 'Virgo 9' is currently docked at Tuticorin harbor.
Adeeb remains a subject of investigation for alleged misappropriation of state funds, corruption and money laundering. He recently traveled to India for medical purposes with the permission of Maldives Correctional Service while under their custody. His doctors recommended him to return to India for a follow up in six months.
Adeeb returned to Maldives after his medical rip amid public concerns that he would attempt to flee the country, and proclaimed that he was not one to 'flee the country'.
