World

EU warns of sweeping sanctions against Maldives rights violators

July 16, 2018

COLOMBO — The European Union could adopt sanctions ranging from travel bans to asset freezes against those in the Maldives responsible for human rights violations and undermining the rule of law in the Indian Ocean island chain, the bloc warned on Monday.

There has been political upheaval in the Maldives since February, when President Abdulla Yameen imposed a 45-day state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling quashing the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including the first democratically elected leader, Mohamed Nasheed.

Monday’s decision was a direct follow up to the Council’s conclusions of Feb. 26 that urged Yameen’s government to engage with opposition leaders for credible, transparent and inclusive presidential elections, the European Union said.

“This decision makes it possible, if the situation does not improve, to impose a travel ban and an asset freeze on relevant individuals and entities,” it said in a statement, without identifying any targets.

The situation did not accord with principles of democratic rule and separation of powers, it added, warning that targeted measures could be considered if the situation did not improve.

Maldives government officials did not immediately respond to telephone calls from Reuters to seek comment.

In Colombo, the British High Commission said the United Kingdom was concerned over lack of judicial independence in Maldives and the government’s intention to reintroduce the death penalty after a ban of more than 60 years.

The move comes ahead of a presidential election set for Sept. 23 at which Yameen will seek a second five-year term.

The opposition has accused Yameen’s government of jailing its leaders who could challenge his re-election bid.

The government denies this.

Already Nasheed has withdrawn his candidacy in the presidential election after the national election commission ruled him ineligible to run.

The Maldives, home to 400,000 people and best known as a tropical paradise for tourists, has experienced political unrest since Nasheed was forced to quit amid a police mutiny in 2012.

Nasheed was convicted of terrorism charges in 2015 and sentenced to 13 years in prison after a controversial and widely criticized trial.

Allowed to leave the Maldives on medical grounds in 2016, he secured asylum in Britain and has lived in Sri Lanka since last year. — Agencies


July 16, 2018
25 views
HIGHLIGHTS
World
hour ago

China’s Xi meets American CEOs to boost confidence in world’s second largest economy

World
hour ago

Four killed during stabbing spree in Illinois

World
hour ago

Burnings and beheadings: Myanmar junta escalates terror tactics against its people