The Maldives government is considering bringing in a law that would criminalise the ongoing ‘India Out‘ campaign that was launched by former President Abdullah Yameen. Authorities in Maldives feel that this campaign could pose a threat to national security and endanger the lives of Indians (nearly 29,000) living in the island nation and Maldivians (around 5,000) living in India.
In November 2019, former President Yameen was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly money laundering through a private company that was meant for the government. In December 2021, the Maldives Supreme Court overturned the conviction and he was released following which the ‘India Out’ campaign gained momentum.
Meanwhile, the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), headed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, is drafting a bill that will criminalise any act by individuals that is diplomatically disruptive. The draft bill is named as the ‘Bill to stop all actions that could negatively affect relations established by Maldives with foreign countries.’ The legislative body Majlis has resumed and this bill is likely to be submitted soon. The draft has proposed a fine of Rs 20,000 Maldivian Rufiyan, six months imprisonment or a year-long house arrest.
India’s financial assistance to the Maldives, including loans and grants for projects, has exceeded $2 billion as per the report in The Print article dated 13 August 2020.
Photo by Rayyu Maldives on Unsplash
