Maldives blasts foreign concern over arrest of ex-president Mohamed Nasheed

COLOMBO: The government of the Maldives has criticized foreign countries and groups that expressed concern over its recent arrest of an ex-president, saying it will not accept advice on governance issues.

Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon said Tuesday that the arrest of former President Mohamed Nasheed had been conducted lawfully and he would receive a fair trial.

The United States, India and the United Nations were among those who expressed concern over Nasheed's arrest on Sunday for ordering the arrest of a top judge when he was president three years ago.

Nasheed has been charged under an anti-terror law and a court has ordered him held in detention until the trial ends.