Washington, DC - The United States is deeply concerned with recent events in Maldives, including today’s announcement of a state of emergency that curtails vital civil liberties and human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of peaceful assembly, the freedom of movement, and safeguards against arbitrary detention and arbitrary and unlawful interference with one’s privacy.

The United States calls on the Government of Maldives to restore immediately full constitutional freedoms to its citizens by terminating the state of emergency, and reiterates its call for an end to politically motivated prosecutions and detentions, including that of former President Nasheed.

The United States also calls on the government to respect and protect freedom of expression and the important role of civil society, both of which are essential to any robust democracy.