The global human rights body, which conducted a five-day fact finding mission in Maldives, claimed that the authorities there were "muzzling" peaceful protesters, "silencing" critical media and civil society and "abusing" judicial system to imprison opposition politicians.
"The international community must wake up and realise that behind the facade of a tourist paradise, there is a dark trend in Maldives where the human rights situation is rapidly deteriorating."
Amnesty International conducted a five-day fact finding mission to Maldives from April 17-22 this year in which its delegation interviewed lawyers, human rights defenders, journalists and political activists.
"There is a climate of fear spreading in Maldives, as safeguards on human rights are increasingly eroded. The authorities have a growing track record of silencing critical voices by any means necessary - be it through the police, the judicial system or outright threats and harassment. This must end immediately," Amnesty International's Maldives Researcher Abbas Faiz told reporters here.
"Mohamed Nasheed's imprisonment came after a sham trial, but he is far from the only one locked up on trumped-up charges and after unfair trials. It is disturbing how far the Maldives government has co-opted the judiciary as a tool to cement its own hold on power," Faiz claimed.
"The international community cannot turn a blind eye to what is happening in the Maldives. The upcoming UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session in Geneva in May is a key moment to push the Maldives authorities to immediately take concrete action to improve the country's human rights situation," he added.
You’ve reached your limit of 5 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app