The European Union, along with the governments of four other nations have called on Maldivian authorities to ensure that opposition activities go forth without intimidation or threat of imprisonment.

In a statement published on the union’s website on Saturday, the EU along with Norway, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States of America states guarantees that they will be closely monitoring the political sphere in the country, even until the local council elections, now slated for May.  

“It is critical for democracy in the Maldives that the government respect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of assembly and freedom of speech” the statement says. 

The office of its spokesperson included the Maldives in a briefing on Friday and called on authorities to ensure it upholds democratic values or more accurately the ‘conditions necessary’ for it

The German and British embassies in Sri Lanka have also released statements expressing concern over Qasim Ibrahim’s arrest on Thursday, with Ambassador James Dauris calling it a ‘sad day’ for democracy in the Maldives.