Top officials of the Maldives’ opposition has entreated the Maldivian Ambassador to Germany, Jameela Ali, to aid in reviving democracy in the Maldives and free jailed political leaders.
A delegation of the opposition along with convicted former President Mohamed Nasheed called on Ambassador Jameela Ali in German capital Berlin last Friday. The delegation also met with a number of diplomats and politicians of Germany on their visit.
Speaking to Mihaaru from Berlin, member of main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Henveiru North MP Abdulla Shahid stated Saturday that the delegates had shared with the ambassador and German diplomats the loss of sovereignty of independent institutions in the Maldives and the government’s obstruction of political leaders.
According to Shahid, the discussion highlighted the loss of power of Parliament, the government’s violations of democratic principles and policies, and the lack of freedom of gathering for political activities and freedom of expression in the Maldives.
Stating that the points raised by the opposition were “not new” to Ambassador Jameela, MP Shahid said that the ambassador has assured her support to bring the issues to the attention of the government.
The meeting marks the first time that former President Mohamed Nasheed has met with a top government official of the Maldives following his conviction to 13 years in jail over the arbitrary detention of a judge during his presidency.
“We’re hoping that the government has listened to the complaints of the opposition and has, thus, begun to solve them,” said Shahid.
The delegation of top officials from opposition parties is visiting Germany to meet German diplomats, parliament members and civil institutions.
According to MDP, the delegation comprises of convicted Former President Mohamed Nasheed, Henveiru North MP Abdulla Shahid, MDP’s National Council member Umar Abdul Razza, Jumhoory Party’s deputy leader Ameen Ibrahim and Dr Asim Ahmed, former Minister of Defence Mohamed Nazim’s brother Adam Azim, and council member Aminath Nadhira appointed by Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s faction of the divided ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
Meanwhile, an opposition delegation had previously met members of the European Union over the lack of freedom for opposition parties to hold political activities in the Maldives as well.
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