Assassination Attempt on the Maldivian President?
The President of Maldives Yameen Abdul Gayoom declared a state of emergency for public safety reasons after the recent discovery of firearms and explosives on the island.
The decree was backed by a majority of parliamentarians voting in favour of the emergency.
The nationwide state of emergency will last for 30 days which started 12:00 p.m. Wednesday November 4.
Considering the public safety and national security, the decree was passed and supported by Maldivian lawmakers when it was revealed that weapons were missing from Maldives National Defense Force weapons storage. The news sparked fear among the citizens of the nation and its government officials.
Tension in Maldives
Tension escalated on the island of Maldives following the blast in the president’s speedboat on Sept. 28. The authorities conducted a series of arrests including Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, on suspicion of involvement in the explosion.
The government dubbed the incident an assassination attempt amid news that President Gayoom was unhurt by the blast.
Us Concerned With Recent Events in Maldives
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Department Spokesperson John Kirby said the United States is deeply concerned with recent events in Maldives, including the announcement of a state of emergency.
“The United States calls on the Government of Maldives to restore immediately full constitutional freedoms to its citizens by terminating the state of emergency.” – Mr. Kirby
In addition, Mr. Kirby reiterated a call for an end to politically motivated prosecutions and detentions, including that of former President Nasheed.
The United States also urged the Maldivian government to respect and protect freedom of expression and the important role of civil society, both of which are essential to any robust democracy.
Maldives is prominent for its luxurious island resorts and beaches. The island nation has been experiencing difficult transition to democracy since holding its first multiparty election in 2008.
on the Road to Democracy
In November 2011, the UN human rights chief Navi Pillay said Maldives has made “significant advances” during the first few years of its transition to democracy. Also, Maldives deserved credit for the progress it has made since a reform agenda began nearly a decade ago.
Multi-party presidential elections were held for the first time in 2008, ending 30 years of one-party rule, and the country has ratified six of the seven core international treaties.
In addition, Maldives recently became the 118th State Party to the ICC, which is based in The Hague in the Netherlands and can try cases relating to war crimes committed since July 2002.
