Government seizes on EU criticism over freedom of religion
Calling for targeted sanctions in response to a protracted political crisis, a resolution adopted by the European parliament also strongly criticised “the fact that the practice of non-Muslim faiths is severely punishable in the Maldives.”
16 Mar 2018, 9:00 AM
Government supporters have seized upon criticism in a resolution adopted Thursday by the European parliament over the lack of freedom of religion in the Maldives.
Calling for targeted sanctions in response to a protracted political crisis, the 16-point resolution also strongly criticised “the fact that the practice of non-Muslim faiths is severely punishable in the Maldives” and expressed concern that “the Religious Unity Act is being used to limit freedom of expression”.
In its rebuttal, the government said: “The constitution of Maldives, the social framework and historical and traditional values, do not allow for religions other than Islam to be publicly practiced in the country.”
It added assurances of “firm commitment to promote moderation, mutual respect, and understanding towards other religions and nationalities.”
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