Foreign Ministry: No cause for sanctions in the Maldives

Foreign Ministry has said that there is no cause in the Maldives that requires sanctions against the country.

A statement issued by the Ministry yesterday said that threatening sanctions after perceiving irregularity in a court case shows irresponsibility.

“To advance the threat of sanctions due to a perceived lack of due process in the domestic courts is an irresponsible use of what is an essential tool of international diplomacy for gross human rights violations. The political situation in Maldives is not an appropriate use of such extreme measures.” The statement said.

The statement also raised concerns about the presentation of a list of individuals to target on threat of sanctions that “clearly” amounts politically influencing the Judicial System.

“The Government of Maldives notes with concern the ongoing threat of sanctions being made by foreign counsel acting for former President Nasheed, and further, notes the presentation of a list of individuals to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office that they suggest ought to be targeted. Such a move is unwarranted and clearly amounts to a political move that is aimed to unduly influence a legal process.” The statement said.

The Ministry’s statement highlighted that the freedom of expression and speech are protected within the Constitution and that the Government has taken no action to curtail those rights.

“The Government respects the rights of its citizens to protest and voice any concern, just as it respects the rights of other nations to offer opinion, criticism, and assistance. The Government merely asks that there is parity in the approach adopted for the Maldives as that adopted with any other nation.” Foreign Ministry's statement said.

The statement concluded by saying that Maldives expects to be treated fairly on the international stage.