World not convinced of need for Maldives emergency
International human rights groups and the governments of the UK and the US have urged the Maldives to revoke a nationwide state of emergency and restore full constitutional freedoms.
05 Nov 2015, 9:00 AM
International human rights groups and the governments of the UK and the US have urged the Maldives to revoke a nationwide state of emergency declared on Wednesday, and called for the restoration of constitutional freedoms.
In declaring the unprecedented 30-day emergency, President Abdulla Yameen cited national security threats and raised fear of bomb plots. He has suspended basic rights and given the security forces sweeping powers ahead of a mass anti-government protest.
Patrick Kirby, the US State Department’s spokesman, said the Maldives must terminate the state of emergency and “restore immediately full constitutional freedoms to its citizens.”
Yameen must also release former President Mohamed Nasheed, imprisoned on a charge of terrorism this March, Kirby said.
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.
