Maldives regime to bring in British MPs in efforts to clear up name
The MPs are to arrive in Maldives on August 19
British MPs with President Abdulla Yameen; MP Sir David Amess (second from left) | Presidents Office
RaajjeMV has learnt that the Maldivian government is once again planning to bring in British MPs in its efforts to clear up name in the international community.
The MPs are to arrive in Maldives on August 19.
According to sources, the delegation will include MP David Amess- one of the three MPs that were brought in 2016 following the pressure faced due to the arrest and conviction of former President Mohamed Nasheed who was granted asylum in the UK in early 2016.
The other two MPs that traveled with Amess are Ian Pasley and Mark Menzies.
The three were offered an all-expenses trip to the Maldives, this was criticized here and in the UK. However, while they acknowledged that business class tickets and fancy resort stay were funded by the Maldivian government, they denied that this affected their judgment.
MP Amess had traveled to the Maldives in 2007 and 2008 as well. These trips were criticized in the UK parliament due to his failure to submit trip details.
While the British MPs are expected to defend the President Abdulla Yameen’s regime, its human rights record has been subject to international condemnation.
The trip comes amid concern over the independence of the country's upcoming elections.
