On Thursday 5 October, the European Parliament called on the EU to consider sanctions against those who violate human rights in the Maldives, and said that the worsening of the political and human rights situation in the country was "deeply" regrettable. It also regretted the increasingly authoritarian regime in the Maldives, with elections due to be held there in 2018.
The EU must "make full use of all instruments at its disposal in order to promote respect for human rights and democratic principles in the Maldives, including by considering introducing temporary individual targeted sanctions against those undermining human rights", the Parliament stated in a joint resolution of the ALDE, ECR, GUE/NGL, EFDD, EPP, S&D and Greens/EFA Groups which it adopted.
Criticising the crackdown on political opponents in the Maldives, the MEPs said that the only means of remedying the worsening of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country was by a real dialogue bringing together all political party leaders and all civil society representatives.
The MEPs also called on the government of the Maldives to ensure full independence and impartiality of the judicial system. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)