26 February 2018, Male’: The Joint Opposition today appointed Mr Ben Emmerson QC as its legal advisor on UN mediated talks.

Mr Emmerson will advise the Joint Opposition in discussions with UN officials on the proposed terms of Joint Opposition for talks with the Maldivian government. The Joint Opposition agreed to appoint a team of representatives to lobby UN to mediate talks. Mr. Emmerson will also advise the Joint Opposition on apprising other significant international bodies on the Maldives situation.

Mr. Emmerson is a distinguished international lawyer and human rights expert. He was formerly the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism, and is the British Judge on the UN Mechanism for the International Criminal Tribunals.

The Joint Opposition comprises the Maldivian Democratic Party, the Jumhoory Party, the Adhaalath Party, and former President Gayoom and his support within the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives.

ENDS