Former Vice President of the Maldives, Ahmed Adeeb has sought the protection of India and initiated the process of claiming asylum in the country.

An international legal firm representing Adeeb released a statement in London saying that he was seeking political asylum in India because he feared for his life if he stayed back in the Maldives.

"The former Vice-President of the Republic of Maldives, Mr. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor, has today sought the protection of India and has initiated the process of claiming asylum, having been subjected to a series of politically motivated prosecutions, and attempts to coerce him into making false statements by the Maldives Security Services," the statement released by International Justice Chambers read.

The statement also reminded India that they must consider that claim in accordance with relevant national and international rules, and that he cannot simply be returned to the Maldives, regardless of any relationship the two states may have.

"We therefore call upon the Government of India to consider the application in an appropriate manner and offer Adeeb protection whilst his claim is under review. We further call upon the UN Office of the High Commission for Refugees to act with diligence in considering his application and we call upon the UN Office of the High Commission for Human Rights to ensure that his rights are protected," the statement further added.