Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE) called for the release of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Tuesday.
In a statement, ACRE alleged that the former president's detention was politically motivated, highlighting that he was arrested in the midst of opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s preparations to submit candidates for the upcoming Parliamentary Elections.
The Alliance declared that the arrest of PPM's leader at such a time would hinder independent campaigning for the party's candidates.
ACRE went on to state that the political field in Maldives was in turmoil and urged the European Union (EU) to send a delegation to look into the issues.
They also called on the Maldivian government to respect democratic principles and ensure a free and fair election.
ACRE is a conservative European political party focussed on reforming the EU. Members of the party hail from 21 nations, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Finland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Croatia and Germany.
Former President Yameen is currently charged with money laundering, in relation to the embezzlement of MVR 1.3 billion from Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation. He is detained until the end of his trial.
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