Commonwealth calls to respect rule of law

In light of recent developments in the Maldives, the Commonwealth has called on the government to ensure that the rule of law is respected, with adherence to due process and in accordance with the Commonwealth Charter.

This came in a statement by Commonwealth Spokesperson Victoria Holdsworth yesterday.

Holdsworth noted the arrest on 22 February of former President Mohamed Nasheed on charges of terrorism, and said that the Commonwealth Secretary-General was concerned to note reports that Nasheed was denied the right to legal representation at the court hearing that took place on 23 February.

“The Secretary-General raised his concerns today with the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Hon Dunya Maumoon, and has stressed the importance of ensuring that the rule of law is respected, with adherence to due process, and in accordance with the Commonwealth Charter.

“The Secretary-General also reiterated his offer to provide Commonwealth expert assistance in relation to upholding the separation of powers in Maldives, consistent with the Commonwealth’s Latimer House principles on the separation of powers between the three branches of government,” read the statement.