Maldives has condemned efforts to denigrate the religion of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through derogatory remarks and blasphemous publications.
A statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 28 read the Maldives is deeply concerned about the increase in aggression and provocative rhetoric towards the religion of Islam and the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), adding the Maldives categorically condemns such acts and deem them as none other than hate speech. The government stated efforts to denigrate Islam and the beloved Prophet cannot be categorized as a reasonable exercise within the right of the freedom of expression.
The government stated as a democratic society built on the tenets of Islam, the Maldives remains committed to upholding the freedom of expression as a fundamental human right. The statement read the Maldives is opposed to all forms of extremism, whether in the name of religion or the purported exercise of the right to freedom of expression.
The statement further read the Maldives condemns all acts of terrorism and is committed to combatting terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms. However, the government stated the Maldives strongly refutes any attempt to link the peaceful religion of Islam with terrorism or violent extremism. The government said such a characterization is not only fundamentally flawed, but irresponsible and urged everyone to exercise respect and tolerance and resort to non-violent and non-provocative means in the exercise of their fundamental human rights.
The government stated the Maldives remains committed to working with the international community to promote peace and tolerance.