AFRICA DIPLOMATIC

MEPs call for respect of human rights in the Maldives and urge the Maldives government to lift immediately the state of emergency, release all persons arbitrarily detained and ensure the proper functioning of Parliament and judiciary. They are concerned by the serious, deteriorating political and human rights situation in the country, specifically regarding the “continued intimidation of and threats against journalists, bloggers and human rights defenders”.

The resolution also strongly condemns any interference in the work of the Supreme Court of Justice and the announcement that the death penalty is being reintroduced in the country. They urge the Maldives to respect the moratorium on the death penalty, which has been in place for more than 60 years.