The Foreign Office has said it is monitoring the situation in the Maldives with concern after the arrest and release of its former President.
It called on the Maldivian authorities to ensure any trial is fair and transparent and for all parties to work together to achieve the democratic reforms needed.
Following the release of former President Nasheed after his arrest on Monday, Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, said: "The British Government is monitoring the situation in the Maldives with concern following the arrest and subsequent release of former President Nasheed.
"Along with our international partners, we call on the Maldivian authorities to ensure any trial is fair and transparent. These latest developments underline the need for all parties to resume dialogue and work together to implement the democratic reforms identified by the Commission of National Inquiry in August.
"We look forward to peaceful, free and fair elections next year, in which all political parties are able to participate fully."
Mohamed Nasheed, who resigned in February in what he said was a coup, was arrested for ignoring a court summons and travel ban, reports the BBC.
A court issued the warrant for his arrest after he failed, for a second time, to turn up to his trial where he is accused of illegally arresting a judge.
He denies the charges against him and says the trial is politically motivated.
Maldives’ tourism launched a PR offensive in March denying political instability after negative publicity, see previous story.
By Diane Evans
