On 16 July 2018, the EU adopted a framework (Council Regulation (EU) 2018/1001; Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/1006) to impose targeted sanctions (travel bans and asset freezes) against persons and entities who are responsible for “undermining the rule of law or obstructing an inclusive political solution in the Maldives”, as well as those responsible for “serious human rights violations or abuses”. The relevant EU press release on this framework can be found here. This framework is a direct…