Global, 19 December 2019 - Following the decision by the authorities to dissolve the Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN), now entered into force, the SOS-Torture Asia Litigators Group urges the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and procedural due process in this matter. The group calls for a reconsideration of said decision and appeals to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to protect the fundamental right to freedom of association and due process of his constituency.
The members of the group are deeply alarmed that four human rights defenders are under criminal investigation in connection with the decision to ban MDN. These sweeping actions by the Government undermine the rule of law in the Maldives, as they promote and legitimize baseless accusations against MDN and human rights defenders that were initially made by powerful vigilante groups.
We strongly support and promote the exercise of administrative power that is bound strictly by the law, and the substantive opportunity for individuals and organisations to respond and defend themselves against any accusation without fear of retaliation or reprisals.
Thus, we strongly reiterate our call for the government of the Maldives to observe due process and the right to freedom of association, which are crucial in upholding the rule of law in the Maldives.
List of signatories (all are members of the Asia Litigators Group)
Citizens Against Hate
Cross Cultural Foundation
Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON)
Human Rights Alert Manipur
Human Rights Office Kandy
Justice Project Pakistan
KontraS
Odhikar
Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA)
Kumarapperuma Arachige Upul Indika
“Spravedlivost" (Justice) Jalal-Abad Human Rights Organization
Women in Struggle for Empowerment (WISE)
World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT).
Contact for the media:
Iolanda Jaquemet, OMCT
+41 79 539 41 06
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