Ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) has released a statement, condemning the statements made by former President Mohamed Nasheed in the address he gave to the Human Rights in Asia Conference 2016, held by University of Essex.
The statement released today said that Nasheed’s speech was designed to falsely accuse PPM Leader and former President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom and President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayyoom of political and human rights transgressions. The statement had condemned the speech.
The statement went on to add that it was President Maumoon who had taken the initiative to introduce multi-party democracy, elections, human rights commissions and introduce new reforms. The statement pointed that the fact that President Maumoon had lost the first democratically held elections was proof that he respected democratic values and the will of the people.
The statement also said that President Yameen was elected from a free and fair elections, and that he was trying to govern in a manner that created lasting benefits to the public. PPM said President Yameen’s government prioritized on national development, economic progress, human rights protection and ensure worker’s rights. It also said that the Government will never impede on the right to free speech or media rights, as long as it’s within the means in the Constitution.
In conclusion, the statement said that any attempts to defame President Yameen and his government by Nasheed was carried out in order to hide the many transgressions that had been committed during his tenure. PPM had called on Nasheed to return back to home, without causing irreparable harm to the nation and economy.
In his address to the Human Rights in Asia Conference 2016, Nasheed had spoken about his work to promote human rights, democracy and the challenges to the nation on these two fronts, especially his many stints in jail.