Secretary-General Urges Maldives Government to Refrain from Acts of Harassment, Intimidation against Parliamentarians, Civil Society, Media

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is concerned about recent developments in Maldives with the gradual erosion of basic democratic norms and principles in the country.  He calls on the Government to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed rights of speech and assembly.

The Secretary-General urges the Government to refrain from all acts that result in the harassment and intimidation of Members of Parliament, political parties, civil society and the media.

The Secretary-General encourages effective dialogue and consultations on political issues.