Statement by the Spokesperson on restrictions of freedom of expression and independence of the media in the Maldives

On the 11 August 2016, a statement was made on behalf of the European Union on a number of restrictions, imposed by the Maldivian Parliament, on the freedom of expression, including restrictions on grounds of religion, defamation and social norms. The penalisation of such acts, in a country where the independence and functioning of the judiciary is not in compliance with international standards, is aggravating the situation further.