Yameen condemned for threats against civil servants
President Abdulla Yameen’s threats against striking civil servants has enraged human rights advocates and opposition parties, with some describing the warning as high-handed and yet another example of a deepening crackdown on civil rights.
23 Dec 2015, 9:00 AM
President Abdulla Yameen’s threats against striking civil servants has enraged human rights advocates and opposition parties, who have described the warning as high-handed and yet another example of a deepening crackdown on civil rights.
Yameen, who has previously banned street protests and jailed several opposition leaders, threatened last night to cut pay “and other things” in a warning to hundreds of staff at the ministry of finance and treasury who had stopped work on Tuesday over impending jobs cuts.
He condemned the protesting staff for choosing the “hardest path to secure rights” and for protesting “over everything.” No civil servant can choose which government ministry they want to work at, he said. “No government employee should tell me, “I will work at this office’ … the government will decide that.”
Yameen’s comments have caused outrage, with the president’s own nephew, lawyer Maumoon Hameed, tweeting articles of the constitution that enshrine the right to strike, and reminding the state of its duty to enforce the constitution.
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.
