Former Maldivian President Nasheed urges supporters to take to streets post 13 year jail sentence

Former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed has called upon his supporters to come out to the streets to protest against the dictatorial powers of the regime following his 13 year jail sentencing over terrorism charges, according to a statement released by his office.

According to BBC, Nasheed was cleared of the charges last month but was re-arrested and charged under anti-terrorism laws after he was found guilty of ordering the arrest of a judge while in office.

Hundreds of people took to the streets last month after the former leader's arrest and have been protesting on a regular basis.

The United States and India have voiced concerns over the charges.

During the second trial, Nasheed's lawyers quit saying that it was biased and intended to end his political career.

The judge at the court said that the prosecution proved that Nasheed had ordered the "arrest or forceful abduction and detention" of Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012.

Mohamed was detained shortly after he ordered the release of an opposition leader that provoked weeks of protests.