EU warned Maldives of sanctions this month, says president

The European Union warned the Maldives it would impose sanctions this month, President Abdulla Yameen said Tuesday.

Brussels and Malé have been at loggerheads over the gradual erosion of rights in the country and a crackdown on the opposition. The EU has also expressed concern that this September’s elections will be neither free nor fair.

It has previously spoken of “targeted measures” and the president’s remarks – if true – would see Brussels making good on that threat.

“It is possible that the EU will impose sanctions some time in the middle of this month. Our government has been warned,” Yameen told Dhiggaru islanders while on a campaign trip to Meemu atoll.