Commonwealth raises concerns about the State of Emergency in Maldives

British MP and Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Hugo Swire has raised concerns about the State of Emergency declared in the Maldives.

Mr. Swire released a statement raising concerns about the State of Emergency imposing on the basic human rights of Maldivian people and said that the decision further undermines the confidence in the country’s democracy.

“I am particularly concerned by the impact of the State of Emergency on the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Maldives constitution, including the right to privacy, freedom from arbitrary detention, freedom from restraint and freedom of movement.” Swire said.

Urging the Maldivian Government to uphold it’s commitments people, as a member of the Commonwealth, democracy and rule of law, Swire called to end the current State of Emergency and for the release of all political prisoners including the former President, Mohamed Nasheed.

Swire said that the situation in the Maldives is being monitored closely and a “factual” travel update has been made upon the recent developments in the country.