Amnesty International, on Friday, has expressed concern over restricting the freedom of expression because of the decree issued by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih banning the ‘India Out’ campaign.
The global movement campaigning against abuses of human rights, via a tweet, expressed concern after having received reports and visuals of a crackdown on peaceful protestors and journalists in the Maldives.
“We are deeply concerned by reports and visuals of crackdown on peaceful protestors and journalists in the Maldives and a recent decree restricting the right to protest in the country in the pretext of containing threats to national security posed by the “India Out” campaign,” the tweet read. They also condemned excessive force against protestors and urged a prompt and impartial investigation of it.
They called on Maldivian authorities to ensure that any restriction on the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression is proportionate, necessary, and provided by law.
President Solih issued a decree banning the ‘India Out’ campaign on April 24, deeming it a threat to national security.