Maldives sanctions on the cards: EU

The European Union could adopt sanctions ranging from travel bans to asset freezes against those in the Maldives responsible for human rights violations and undermining the rule of law in the Indian Ocean island chain, the bloc warned yesterday.

There has been political upheaval in the Maldives since February, when President Abdulla Yameen imposed a 45-day state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling quashing the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including the first democratically elected leader, Mohamed Nasheed.

Yesterday's decision was a direct follow up to the Council's conclusions of Feb 26 that urged Yameen's government to engage with opposition leaders for credible, transparent and inclusive presidential elections, the European Union said.

"This decision makes it possible, if the situation does not improve, to impose a travel ban and an asset freeze on relevant individuals and entities," it said in a statement, without identifying any targets.

The situation did not accord with principles of democratic rule and separation of powers, it added, warning that targeted measures could be considered if the situation did not improve.

The move comes ahead of a presidential election set for Sept 23 at which Yameen will seek a second five-year term.