President vetoes bill banning calls for sanctions, tourism boycotts
President Abdulla Yameen has vetoed a law banning calls for tourism boycott and sanctions against the Maldives, saying the bill infringes on the right to free speech.
13 Dec 2015, 9:00 AM
President Abdulla Yameen has vetoed a bill banning calls for tourism boycott and sanctions against the Maldives, saying the bill infringes on the right to free speech.
The four-page bill, submitted by ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives MP Riyaz Rasheed, had set a jail term of up to ten years for Maldivians who call for boycotts and sanctions. The parliament later deemed it a civil offence. The bill authorizes those “who suffer any damage” to claim compensation from “those responsible for the offense.”
The bill was passed on November 25 by the PPM dominated parliament.
Yameen returned the bill for reconsideration on Thursday, saying several provisions in the bill “leads to the restriction of certain fundamental rights like the freedom of expression and freedom of press.”
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
