Expressing concern at the “deteriorating conditions in the Maldives”, U.S. Senators John McCain and Jack Reed have urged the U.S. government to work with democracies such as India and push for the release of all political prisoners, including the former President Mohamed Nasheed, who has been sentenced to 13 years in jail on terrorism charges.
In a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Defence Secretary Ashton Carter, the Senators have pointed to the adverse impact of the recent events in the Maldives on bilateral ties and the U.S. national security policy in South Asia. “…While the Maldives may be a small island nation, there are big principles at stake. The U.S. should work with India and other democratic countries to impress upon the Maldives that its decisions have adverse consequences on its relationships abroad. The U.S. must also urge the Maldives to release all political prisoners, including President Nasheed,” the letter said.
