Press release

Minister for Asia, Hugo Swire, expresses concern at recent developments in the Maldives

Minister for Asia comments on the State of Emergency in the Maldives

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Hugo Swire
• Published: 4 November 2015

This was published under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government

Mr Swire said:

I am deeply worried by recent developments in the Maldives. The State of Emergency announced today will impinge on the basic human rights of the people of the Maldives and further undermines confidence in the country’s democracy.

I am particularly concerned by the impact of the State of Emergency on the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Maldives constitution, including the right to privacy, freedom from arbitrary detention, freedom from restraint and freedom of movement.

We urge the government of the Maldives to uphold the commitments it has made – including as a member of the Commonwealth – to democracy and to the rule of law. We call on the government to end the current State of Emergency and to release all political prisoners, including former President Nasheed.

We have made a factual update to our travel advice and are considering carefully our next steps in light of today’s developments. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

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Published 4 November 2015