The Government of Maldives has issued a statement in response to the European Union Parliament resolution on the situation in the Maldives.
The statement reiterated in its response to the European Union Council's Conclusions on February 26, the State of Emergency currently in place was declared to ensure national security and Constitutional order, to uphold the rule of law and to safeguard the peace and stability of the nation.
This State of Emergency is only applied to individuals alleged to have carried out illegal activities in connection to the Supreme Court Order of February 1. The Government said it does not intend to pro-long the State of Emergency and plans to lift it as soon as the threats posed to national security are addressed satisfactorily. The Government also wishes to note that it has no legal mandate to implement the Supreme Court Order of February 1, since the Supreme Court issued on February 6, nullified the Court Order of February 1.
The Government notes that as per the Penal Code, the death penalty can only be exercised for those convicted of wilful murder with proven intent, once the full appeal mechanism and commutation process has been exhausted.
The Constitution of Maldives, the social framework and historical and traditional values, do not allow for religions other than Islam to be publicly practiced in the country. The Government further reiterated its firm commitment to promote moderation, mutual respect, and understanding towards other religions and nationalities.
The Government views terrorism and violent extremism as serious national security threats, and has been working effortlessly with international partners, including EU member countries, to prevent and counter these phenomena.