The Ministry of Foreign Affairs [official website] of Maldives announced its decision [press release] on Friday to quit the Commonwealth of Nations [official website] after the organization issued a warning to the country that it could be suspended because of its failure to promote the rule of law and democracy [Reuters report]. Stating that the decision was difficult but inevitable, the foreign ministry stated: “Regrettably, the Commonwealth has not recognized that progress and achievements that the Maldives accomplished in cultivating a culture of democracy in the country and in building and strengthening democratic institutions.” The statement pointed out that the current government has enacted 94 pieces of legislation specifically reinforcing the core values of the Commonwealth and that of these, 69 were specifically targeted toward promoting human rights, strengthening democratic governance and reinforcing the principle of separation of powers. Stating that these achievements produced “tangible outcomes in strengthening democratic institutions in the country,” the statement claimed the “Commonwealth’s decision to penalize the Maldives was unjustified especially given that the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), established with the help of the Commonwealth, found that the transfer of power in the Maldives was consistent with the constitutional provisions.” The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland [official website], expressed [statement] her disappointment over the decision and stated that the Commonwealth hopes Maldives will later return.

Maldives has been a cause of concern for many human rights organizations and the international community since the resignation of former president Mohamed Nasheed in 2012. Last month Maldives President Yameen Abdul Gayoom signed into law a controversial bill criminalizing defamation with fines and jail terms despite widespread criticism. The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression David Kaye issued a warning [JURIST report] Wednesday condemning the bill approved by the Maldives parliament. In February 2015 Nasheed was arrested [JURIST report] for alleged violations of the country’s anti-terrorism law. The next month the Criminal Court of Maldives sentenced Nasheed to 13 years in prison [JURIST report] for terrorism-related charges. Nasheed’s trial garnered international attention from civil rights advocates. Immediately following the trial UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein condemned the trial proceedings for violations of due process [JURIST report]. In March 2013 Maldives police authorities arrested Nasheed [JURIST report] for missing a court appearance over charges that he illegally detained a judge prior to his resignation.