Former President Mohamed Nasheed has asked whether the government can show any sincerity if it refuses to release political prisoners.
He said this in a tweet on Monday after the the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council on Monday adopted a framework that that will allow them to impose travel bans and asset freezes on the relevant individuals and entities if the political and human rights situation in Maldives does not improve.
In the tweet, Nasheed said that the EU is calling for a “sincere” discussion to make way for a reliable, transparent, and inclusive election.
“Where is sincerity without the release of political prisoners?” Nasheed asked in his tweet.
EUin faaskuree RYge Sarukaarah dhathi kurumuge fiyavalhu elhumuge onigadeh. EU sarukaara govaalanee “Ithubaaruhifey, dhefuh fenna enmenah baiveri vevey inthikhaabakah magufahikoh dheyne ikhlaastheri” mashvaraa ah. Siyaasee hayyareen dhookohnulaa oiy ikhlaas therikamakee kobaitho?
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) July 16, 2018
On Monday, the EU Council adopted a framework for targeted restrictive measures such as travel bans and asset freezes against individuals and entities responsible for ‘undermining the rule of law or obstructing an inclusive political solution in the Maldives as well as persons and entities responsible for human rights violations.’
The Council added that it would implement this framework ‘if the situation does not improve.’
