Federal Foreign Office spokesperson on conviction of opposition leader in Maldives

A Federal Foreign Office spokesperson issued the following statement today (19 February) in response to the conviction of Maldivian opposition leader Sheikh Imran:

The German Government is concerned at the ruling against Maldivian opposition politician Sheikh Imran, leader of the Adhaalath Party. Sheikh Imran has been sentenced to twelve years in prison after a trial that did not meet the minimum legal standards. This raises questions about the extent to which freedom of opinion and the rule of law prevail in Maldives and about the health of the country’s democracy.

The German Government calls on the Maldivian Government to engage in open and comprehensive dialogue with the opposition. Our hope for the future resides in the upholding of the standards of the rule of law. Alongside our partners in the EU, we stand ready to accompany Maldives as it develops its democracy and rule of law.

Background information:
Sheikh Imran, leader of the Adhaalath Party, has been sentenced to twelve years in prison. He was claimed to have caused disturbances, violated the law governing public assemblies and committed an act of terrorism by inciting violence during a speech he gave at a demonstration. The trial is one of several including proceedings against former President Mohamed Nasheed and former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim.

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160219_Malediven.html?nn=479796