UN says application of terror-related charges on Maldivian opposition leaders “troubling”

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, on Monday, said that he was “troubled” by the application of terrorism-related charges on Maldivian opposition leaders.

He made the statement in the global update to UN Human Rights Council, which is started its 32nd session in Geneva on Monday.

Zeid also expressed concern over recent legislative changes brought in the country, which he said had negative impacts of fundamental rights of Maldivian citizens.

He said that the situation in the country had deteriorated, and that space for democracy in the country was “shrinking” day by day.

Zeid said that the UN Human Rights Council had received a positive signal from Maldivian government, which is that authorities were open for discussion and the Council was given access by the government.

He said that he hoped the Human Rights Council would be able to assist Maldivian government to embark on “institutional and legislative reform”.

The 32nd UN Human Rights Session falls into the country’s 10-year-anniversary since it joined the Council.

Maldivian delegation participating in the session is headed by Permanent Representative of Maldives to UN office Geneva, Dr. Hala Hameed, and Deputy Representative, Jeffry Salim Waheed.

They are joined by more officials from the Maldivian mission stationed in Geneva, as well as two officials from Attorney General’s Office.