Human rights in Maldives imperilled by ‘deterioration of democracy’
A reversal of democratic gains, restriction of rights and impunity for abuses by the security forces are the chief human rights concerns of the US State Department’s 2017 country report on the Maldives.
22 Apr 2018, 9:00 AM
A reversal of democratic gains, restriction of rights and impunity for abuses by the security forces are the chief human rights concerns identified by the US State Department’s 2017 report on the Maldives.
“The most significant human rights issues included the deterioration of democratic governance, as the executive branch increased its interference in legislative and judicial affairs; a politicized and inefficient judiciary; and political prisoners,” reads the report released last week.
“The government severely restricted freedom of expression, including freedom of the press, by using an anti-defamation law to silence dissenting voices and targeted harassment and arbitrary detention of journalists. The government restricted the freedoms of assembly and association, and freedom of religion.”
The report echoed warnings from international rights groups that the Maldives has been undergoing an “authoritarian reversal” since President Abdulla Yameen took office. All opposition leaders are in prison or exile as he seeks re-election this year.
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