‘A step backward’: US and UK condemns Sheikh Imran’s terrorism conviction
18 Feb 2016, 9:00 AM
Renewing calls for the release of “political prisoners,” the US and the UK have condemned the imprisonment of Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla on a terrorism charge over a speech he gave at a mass anti-government rally last year.
UK Minister for Asia Hugo Swire said Imran’s jailing represents “a step backward” for the Maldives.
“This is the second conviction of an opposition party leader in the Maldives on terrorism charges in the last year. It raises worrying questions about freedom of speech, the rule of law and the government’s commitment to democracy,” Swire said in a statement yesterday.
“As a valued member of the Commonwealth I urge the government to work towards greater judicial independence and to restore confidence in democracy. The government should release all political prisoners, end politically motivated trials and ensure all-party dialogue is genuine and inclusive.”
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