UK: Imran’s sentencing represents a backward step

British Minister for Asia, Hugo Swire has said that the conviction of Adhaalath Party leader Abdulla Imran represented a backward step in Maldivian government living up to its international human rights commitments.

Swire released a press statement on Wednesday saying that Imran was the second opposition political leader to be convicted on terrorism charges during the span of a year, and that it raised worrying questions regarding freedom of speech, rule of law, and Maldivian government’s commitment to democracy.

He said that he had encouraged Maldivian government to live up to its international human rights commitments during his visit to Maldives in January. And had taken permission granted to former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed to travel abroad to UK for his back surgery, and President Abdulla Yameen announcing that he was ready to resume talks with all political parties.

“As a valued member of the Commonwealth I urge the government to work towards greater judicial independence and to restore confidence in democracy,” said Swire.

He called out for government to release all political prisoners, end all politically-motivated trials and ensure that the all-party dialogue promised by President Yameen was genuine and inclusive.

Imran was sentenced to 12 years in prison Tuesday night for terrorism.

The charge against him was that he had incited violence during the speech he gave in opposition protest on May 1, 2015.