MALE (Maldives): Maldives’ ex-president Mohamed Nasheed did not appear for a court hearing on Monday to face charges that he illegally ordered the arrest of a judge, a move that led to his ouster early this year.    Nasheed — who has said he was forced from office in a coup d’etat — also openly defied the court’s order by leaving the capital in a fishing boat to another island to engage in his election campaign.    

Hulhumale Magistrate Court last week ordered Nasheed to appear before court on Monday and also not to leave the capital, Male, without the court’s permission.    There was no immediate comment from Nasheed as to why he skipped Monday’s court proceedings. But his party has earlier criticised the order as politically motivated and said he may not get a fair trial.—AP