Brussels, 30/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - On 30 April, the European Parliament called on all the different parties in the Maldives to avoid any action that could lead to the increasing authoritarianism noticed in the country and to respect democracy and the rule of law.
In a common resolution adopted by all the political groups, MEPs call for “a credible and open political process, which involves all the different democratic forces” and an immediate halt to acts of intimidation of political opponents and political interference. They also call for an immediate end to all violence against peaceful demonstrators, critical media sources and civil society. MEPs also add that the perpetrators of violent attacks must be brought to justice.
The Parliament is also calling for the de-politicisation of the judicial system in the Maldives and “urgent” reforms, to guarantee the independence and impartiality of the legal system. MEPs deplore the “serious irregularities” in the trial of former president Mohamed Nasheed (EUROPE 11275) and are demanding his immediate release and for his rights to be fully respected if his sentence is appealed. On several occasions, the EU has expressed its concern regarding the trial of Nasheed. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)