Maldives: Human Rights

Publisher Marketing: The Republic of Maldives is a multi-party constitutional democracy. In 2008 Parliament ratified a new constitution that provided for the first multi-party presidential elections. Following events in early 2012 that included violent protests and charges of presidential abuse of power, President Mohamed Nasheed stepped down in February, and Vice President Mohamed Waheed became head of state. A Commission of National Inquiry concluded that no coup had occurred but cited credible cases of police misconduct and called for strengthening democratic institutions. On September 7, the country held presidential elections, which international monitors characterized as transparent, fair, and credible. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court annulled the elections, citing voting irregularities. After new elections on November 9 and a run-off on November 16, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was declared the new president. Authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. Security forces committed human rights abuses. The most significant human rights problems included charges of Supreme Court interference to subvert the presidential elections process, restrictions on religious freedom, and corruption of officials in all branches of government. Other human rights problems included the use of flogging as a punishment, arbitrary arrests, harassment of journalists, abuse and unequal treatment of women, and discrimination against foreign laborers. Migrant laborers were subjected to labor abuses and were the primary victims of human trafficking. The government took steps to prosecute and punish some police and military officials who committed abuses, but several judges allegedly committed illegal acts with impunity.