Former Attorney General Azima Shukoor has stated that the Maldives has the right to fight for 200 nautical miles of the sea, despite who has sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

Speaking during a rally held on Friday night by the Coalition Against 'Sale' of Our Seas, Azima noted that it was rather concerning to witness the loss of something that was rightfully ours.

Azima highlighted that the economic zones of the Maldives are clearly stated in the Maldivian laws, charts of which have been submitted to the United Nations. She reiterated that despite the government stating that there is no maritime boundary from the South, the boundary is already defined by law.

She further added that it is not justified to say that we lost the 200 nautical miles since we were silent on Chagos' solidarity.

She also added that had Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath refused to acknowledge President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's letter to the Mauritian Prime Minister, the International Tribunal For The Law of Seas (ITLOS) would not have reached a decision referring to the letter in question.

Azima stressed that work could still be done to claim back the maritime boundary that has been lost. She further noted why the AG did not refuse the decision by the ITLOS, and why he did not question them on why the area was handed over to a party who did not even reside anywhere near the area in question.

Azima highlighted that the AG does not need permission from the President to do this.