Amnesty International has called on the Government of Maldives to free Adam Azim, without any conditions.

Azim, brother to jailed former Defense Minister Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim, was arrested earlier this month on allegations that he was organizing a coup.

‘Amnesty International believes that Adam Azim has been targeted simply because he has peacefully exercised his right to freedom of expression, and urges the Maldives authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally. His arrest comes amid a wider crackdown on opposition politicians, media workers and activists in Maldives, which has intensified in recent months,’ the statement read.

Azim was arrested after he had arrived back in Male’ following a series of meetings held with foreign diplomats with members of opposition Maldivian United Opposition (MUO) and former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Azim was arrested on allegations of organizing a coup, create mistrust and hate against the judiciary and spread false information in public. Additionally, Police said that Azim was in the position to destroy or hide evidence and posed a significant risk to public.

Azim’s lawyers continue to assert that an arrest cannot be made on basis of an intelligence report.

If proven guilty of the charges, Azim will be given a 17 year jail term.