Humans Rights Watch urged the Maldivian government to revoke a local law that criminalizes consensual same-sex conduct this week. This comes as Maldivian authorities are prosecuting four men and investigating several others for supposedly having sex with other men. Humans Rights Watch argues that these investigations are politically motivated and that the Maldives’ strict homophobic laws are inhumane and have been put in place to appease extremist groups.
The vacation hot-spot was stunned by a sex scandal earlier this year when videos leaked of a Bengladeshi man having sex with prominent local male officials. One of these videos is believed to depict him having sex with the brother of the current Parliament Speaker and former President of the Maldives. The Bangladesh national was arrested on July 12, and is facing charges for blackmail and having sex with other men. Three Maldivian men, including the former President’s brother were also arrested on charges relating to gay sex on July 28, and are facing up to 8 years in prison and 100 lashes if convicted.
Humans Rights Watch criticized the Maldivian government this week, characterizing the investigations as unjust and “politically motivated.” The organization highlights that the local anti-LGBTQ law infringes on Maldivians human rights.