Canada has once again called to lift the state of emergency declared in Maldives.
In a tweet sent out on Friday, Canadian Ambassador David McKinnon said that Canada "continues to call for the lifting of the SoE, restoration of fundamental rights and freedoms, and a return to democracy".
He also expressed concern over "increasing violence, targeting and arrests of journalists and protesters".
Concerned by reports of increasing violence, targeting + arrests of journalists and protesters in #Maldives. Canada continues to call for the lifting of the SOE, restoration of fundamental rights and freedoms, and a return to democracy. #MaldivesInCrisis
— David McKinnon (@McKinnonDavid) February 23, 2018
On the 1st of February five judges at the supreme court issued a ruling, ordering the release of nine political prisoners, which was denied by incumbent President Abdulla Yameen. He instead declared a state of emergency in the country, followed by the arrest of many, including high profile figures such ans former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Justice Ali Hameen.
India, the USA, England and Australia among many have called on the Maldivian government to lift the SoE immediately, following the declaration on 5th February.
The SoE was initially declared for 15 days, but was extended by an additional 30 days by the parliament on Tuesday, in a vote held without the presence of the constituionally required quorum of 43 members.
