PRESS RELEASE
Date : 31 October 2013
Transparency Maldives condemns the attempts to shape laws and rules for protecting personal interests of the Members of the Parliament and abuse of parliamentary privileges and the institution of the Parliament.
Such attempts weaken the legal system and obstruct the rule of law. Similarly, such acts undermine the integrity of the Parliament, eroding public confidence in the institution.
Members of the Parliament must be provided with appropriate privileges and immunities in order to carry out their duties as lawmakers. However, Transparency Maldives reiterates its concern that the Parliamentary Privileges Act affords undue privileges and powers to the MPs.
Prosecutions through the courts must not be politically motivated. Transparency Maldives therefore calls on the courts, especially the Supreme Court, to ensure that cases against Members of the Parliament are treated impartially and without political motives.
ENDS.
For media inquiries, please contact Aiman Rasheed, Advocacy and Communications Manager on 00 960 7908967.
Please see these links for the statement in English and Dhivehi.