Declaration by the High Representative Federica Mogherini on behalf of the European Union on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Message by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
The adoption of the "Bill on Protection of Reputation and Good Name and Freedom of Expression" by the Maldivian Parliament on 9 August imposes a number of restrictions on the freedom of expression, including restrictions on grounds of religion, defamation and social norms. The penalisation of defamation and the high penalties prescribed in the Bill pose a direct threat to media, political opposition and civil society in the Maldives. 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.
