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

Mr Swire said yesterday:

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.

Further information

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