The 37-year-old international law and human rights attorney plans to meet former president Mohamed Nasheed at Maafushi Jail later this week (beg07Sep15).

Nasheed, the country's first democratically-elected president, has been charged with terrorism and sentenced to 13 years in prison. Amal Clooney has come to his aid after pleading for his release, insisting his imprisonment is in violation of international law.

She says, "President Nasheed's unjust imprisonment has led to the largest protest movement in Maldivian history, and protesters have in turn been added to the list of political prisoners in the country.

"My co-counsel and I will continue to pursue all legal and diplomatic strategies to secure our client's release, including through the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention."