IPU calls for full protection of MPs

Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Anders B. Johnsson has urged that full protection be given to Members of Parliament in the Maldives.

IPU has issued a statement following the killing of MP Dr Afrasheem Ali early Tuesday morning, which says that Dr Afrasheem’s death is the latest and most tragic act of violence in a country that has been in a political crisis since the start of the year.

IPU called for all violence to end and for all political sides to remain calm.

The Organisation also expressed concern that other MPs are receiving death threats through social media channels such as Twitter.

IPU informed in its statement that the violence, intimidation and political harassment imposed on MPs have resulted in several of them registering with the IPU Committee on Human Rights of Parliamentarians.

“IPU is also calling for speedy consideration of the Privileges Bill currently before Parliament and on which IPU is providing technical expertise. This bill, when passed by parliament, would provide more legal protection to MPs in performing their duties,” says that statement.