US: We

US have raised concerns over the prison sentence of the former Defence Minister, Colonel-retired Mohamed Nazim who was convicted of import and possession of a firearm.

Responding to a question to the Spokesperson for the US State Department, Jen Psaki onThursay’s Press Briefing, the answer on the State Department website states that United States is deeply troubled by recent developments in Maldives.

When asked if the US have any comment on the arrest of the former Maldivian Defence Minister, the respond was, “The United States is deeply troubled by recent developments in Maldives that call into question that nation’s commitment to democracy and individual human rights. These developments include the conviction of former Defense Minister Mohamed Nazim, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison on weapons charges March 26, and the March 25 arrest of Maldivian journalists under allegations of obstructing police duties.”

The US State Department noted particular concerns about Nazim’s case including the inability to call the requested number of defense witnesses and concerns regarding the lack of impartiality and independence of the judges.

Regarding the arrests of the journalists, the State Department said that the freedom of the press is a fundamental democratic right, and we are in touch with Maldivian authorities to clarify why the journalists have been detained without charges.

While the US State Department has publicized such an answer, the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in the United States Department of State, Nisha Biswal spoke in the US Congress saying that the Maldivian democratic institutions remain weak.

Biswal said increasing political turbulence in the Maldives was adding to mounting challenges, namely high youth unemployment, growing religious extremism and social.