Three former Maldivian presidents have jointly petitioned diplomatic missions in the Maldives to pressure the government into releasing two jailed Adhadhu journalists, as well as all individuals detained during protests calling for their freedom.
The letter, sent today, bears the signatures of former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed, Abdulla Yameen, and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This marks the first time the three former leaders have issued a joint formal appeal.
In the letter, the former presidents highlighted that the two journalists were sentenced in a closed-door trial following expedited proceedings. They expressed grave concern over the arrest and imprisonment of numerous individuals who participated in public demonstrations against the verdict.
The three leaders emphasized that the current administration’s actions extend beyond an assault on press freedom alone.
"Rather than viewing the setbacks in the local council elections and the overwhelming 69 percent public rejection of constitutional amendments as a moment for self-reflection, the government is instead intensifying its attacks on the institutions responsible for state accountability," the letter stated.
The former presidents also drew attention to the Maldives' precarious economic situation. They warned that the combination of increasing authoritarianism and financial instability poses a risk of state failure.
"The fact that democracy is in such peril while the nation is in the grip of a wasteful and incompetent administration is not a series of isolated crises. This is our greatest concern. Each of these issues accelerates the danger of the other, and together, they are steering the Maldives toward becoming a failed state," the letter stated.
The three former presidents clarified to the diplomatic missions that they have set aside their political differences to work together in defense of the democratic system established by the Maldivian people.
"We request your offices to urge the Maldivian government to immediately release all imprisoned journalists and those unjustly detained in connection with the protests, and to cease the wrongful prosecution of these individuals."
The "Alliance" of Three Presidents
In a joint statement, the three leaders alleged that the infringement of fundamental rights and executive interference in the judiciary have reached extreme levels. Following their meeting, the former presidents agreed to collaborate on a national reform effort.
A primary focus of their statement was the systematic obstruction of independent journalism, including the imprisonment and harassment of media personnel. Describing the ongoing trials against journalists as politically motivated, they called for an immediate halt to these legal proceedings and the unconditional release of those detained. Furthermore, they expressed concern over government overreach into the judicial system, which they argued has compromised the independence of judges.
Addressing the economic hardships facing the public, the three presidents noted a decline in living standards and an uncontrollable rise in the cost of living.
The statement asserted that public confidence in the responsible management of state assets has been lost due to government waste and excessive spending from the national budget. The leaders further noted that the administration has failed to address systemic corruption and malpractice within the government.
The statement concluded by noting that the erosion of democratic principles—achieved through the immense sacrifices of the Maldivian people—is a tragedy for the nation.
The three former presidents reached a consensus that all political stakeholders must now unite to bring the country back onto a democratic path.
