The arrest of the former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, is an example of selective justice from the authorities and highlights their failure to investigate other serious human rights abuses in the country, Amnesty International said.

Nasheed, who resigned as President in February 2012 under disputed circumstances, was arrested in the Maldivian capital Male today.

He is accused of illegally ordering the arrest of a judge while in office, and on Wednesday will face trial for “unlawfully arresting an innocent person”.

Amnesty International’s Maldives Researcher Abbas Faiz said:

“Of course political leaders, including Nasheed, should be held to account - but the targeting of Nasheed is an example of selective justice.

“Amnesty International, and many others, have documented a wide range of human rights violations committed by security forces following Nasheed’s resignation. These include police violence against peaceful protesters and the deliberate targeting of Nasheed’s supporters.

“No one has yet been held to account for these abuses despite the huge amount of documentary evidence available. The Maldivian authorities must carry out a full investigation into alleged abuses by anyone, and not just target political opponents.

“Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has never been investigated or held to account for alleged abuses committed during his rule. All leaders should be held to account for alleged abuses and in fair trials.”