Arbitrary Arrests Following State of Emergency

Five people have been arrested since the Government of Maldives declared a State of Emergency on 5 February 2018, following a recent Supreme Court decision to release and re-try imprisoned opposition leaders. This appears to be an act of repression by the government to silence political opposition.

Five people have been arrested since the Government of Maldives declared a State of Emergency on 5 February 2018, following a recent Supreme Court decision to release and re-try imprisoned opposition leaders. This appears to be an act of repression by the government to silence political opposition. 1) TAKE ACTION Write a letter, send an email, call, fax or tweet:

• Order the immediate release of the five people who have been arbitrarily arrested unless they are to be charged with a recognizable criminal offence, in line with international law and standards;
• Uphold the Supreme Court decision to release and re-try members of the political opposition;
• Ensure that activists, human rights defenders, journalists, academics and members of the political opposition are able to peacefully exercise their human rights without fear of punishment, reprisal or intimidation.

Contact these two officials by 21 March, 2018:

Major General Ahmed Shiyam Chief of Defence Force Maldives National Defence Force Ameeruahumadhu magu, Malé Republic of Maldives Fax: +960 3325525 Email: [email protected] Twitter: @MVDefence Salutation: Dear Major General

Maldives does not currently have an embassy to the US, please direct all correspondence to: H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Sareer, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400E, New York, NY 10017 Phone: 212 599 6195 I Fax: 212 661 6405 Contact form: https://goo.gl/CmoXJM Salutation: Dear Ambassador

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