Friday
22nd Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Parliament representative for Maavashu constituency Mohamed Saeed declared that the government encourages foreign embassies to intervene in domestic matters.
Saeed made his statement following a leaked letter from the Indian High Commission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after Dhiyares and the Maldives Journal published a report on the Deputy Indian High Commissioner.
The letter, calling for action to be taken against media and individuals critical of India, read that the Indian High Commission wished to draw the Foreign Ministry's attention to "recent, recurring articles and social media posts attacking the dignity of the High Commission, the Head of the Mission, and members of diplomatic staff".
They described the supposed attacks as "motivated, malicious, and increasingly personal".
In the letter, the Indian High Commission referred to Article 29 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, reminding the government of Maldives that the diplomatic agent is inviolable. However, it should be noted that the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations does not forbid the media and individuals from criticizing diplomats and their sending states.
The High Commission stated that they believed the "repeated attacks" were undertaken to create enmity and hatred between the people and the government of Maldives, and the people and the government of India.
The High Commission of India made two requests in the letter. First, to ensure enhanced protection of the premises of the mission, resident of the High Commissioner, and residences of other diplomats. Second, to take action against individuals or media outlets that are critical of India.
MP Saeed tweeted that the government facilitates such actions from foreign embassies, and criticized parties of the government's coalition for their silence regarding the matter.
He claimed that officials who called for the removal of Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) on December 23 for similar issues, now remain as quiet accomplices.
While the Foreign Ministry has not called on Maldives Media Council, parliament representative for Meedhoo constituency Rozaina Adam requested the council to take action. Members of the Committee on Independent Institutions, headed by Rozaina, also appealed to council members to act.
A message from Rozaina to the Independent Institutions Committee stated that the Deputy Indian High Commissioner was concerned in regards to his security due to reports in the media.
She claimed she had reached out to President of the Maldives Media Council Shahuban Fahmy to investigate the matter. MP Rozaina also claimed that she believed the committee should consider the matter seriously and treat it as such.