June 15, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:
“On June 12, protestors gathered in the Maldives capital, Malé, to call for the release of political prisoners, an independent judiciary, an end to politically motivated charges, and respect for freedom of expression and fundamental democratic values.
“Canada strongly supports these objectives, which are consistent with Commonwealth values and principles as set out in the Charter of the Commonwealth.
“Canada calls upon the Government of Maldives to release all political prisoners, including former president [Mohamed] Nasheed and to respect and protect democratic rights in the Maldives, including the right to freedom of assembly.
“Canada also calls upon the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to urgently put the deteriorating situation in the Maldives on its formal agenda.”
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
johanna.quinney@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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