The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has said that a group of expatriates to be deported from Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo island was facing the action due to a lack of visas.
The government decided three weeks ago to deport the Bangladeshis for taking part in a protest in front of the museum in Thinadhoo. They were protesting against the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. The HRCM began looking into the matter on July 27.
When asked about the investigation, the HRCM said in a statement that the foreigners were released after being cautioned. They are not in custody in an immigration detention center.
The HRCM said the Home Ministry was looking to deport those who do not have visas among the participants of the protests and the decision does not have any links to the protest.
"The commission did not find that a decision was made to deport any foreigners in connection with the protest. Thus, HRCM has not advised to stop the deportation of expatriates," the commission said.
However, the government earlier told the media that they were being deported as it goes against visa conditions to protest.
The HRCM began investigating the case because it is a right to protest and hold peaceful assemblies.
Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), signed by the Maldives, states that the right to peaceful demonstration must be guaranteed to all, including foreigners.
