Three Former Presidents Meet, Call for Release of Jailed Journalists

Former presidents Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Abdulla Yameen, and Mohamed Nasheed met last night in a rare joint engagement, citing concerns over press freedom and calling for the immediate release of jailed journalists.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the three leaders expressed alarm over what they described as a decline in democratic values and increasing pressure on the media.

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Press Freedom and Judiciary

The statement condemned the imprisonment and alleged harassment of journalists, describing ongoing legal proceedings against media personnel as politically motivated. The leaders called for an immediate halt to such cases and the unconditional release of detained journalists.

They also raised concerns about judicial independence, accusing the government of interfering with the courts and undermining the autonomy of judges.

Economic Concerns

Beyond media issues, the former presidents highlighted worsening economic conditions, pointing to a rising cost of living and declining quality of life for citizens.

They criticised what they described as excessive and wasteful state spending, warning of fiscal irresponsibility and a growing lack of public trust in the management of state resources. Allegations of systemic corruption were also noted in the statement.

State of Democracy

The leaders warned that democratic gains achieved by the public are being eroded, with weakening institutions and diminishing public power threatening the stability of the state.

Calling for unity, the three former presidents urged political parties to work together to restore democratic governance and steer the country back on what they described as the “right path.”