At the conclusion of a visit to the Republic of Maldives, Amnesty International believes human rights in the country have already been seriously eroded and are at risk of further deterioration. The following briefing is based on the findings of this visit, which was prompted by reports of blatant breaches of the right to a fair trial for some leading opponents of the government. Political tension in the country has been exacerbated by the harassment, detention and imprisonment of government opponents.