Updated: 09/12/2005 05:49:12 - Email to Editor in Chief    

Sunday, 26th September 2004  DO  Special Report Maldivians love Qasim but they are scared; Is an armed struggle the solution? Mr. Qasim Ibrahim has been in solitary confinement since August 13th, 2004. He participated in a pro-reform demonstration with thousands of Maldivians. Mr. Qasim is a people's person and a Member of the Parliament. He is now admitted to the hospital suffering from breathing difficulties and depression. Mr. Qasim suffers from acute Bronchoconstriction, which can be triggered by emotional upsets, dust and lack of clean air. He underwent major surgery in Germany about a year ago. Gayyoom is fully aware of this as Gayyoom personally called Qasim when he returned from Germany after surgery. read more  cmwlok oyeturwm cnwvinim !eveSWvwncnukun iawguqcawH egcmIhWrcbia cmisWq * cawtubwbws caeawb wncnwaiLur cnihevid eked unUmuawm * An Appeal to President Gayyoom to Release Qasim  & others      LOCAL NEWS Qasim is still in the Hospital in Male' Male'- DO would like to apologise to all its readers that the news of last night was a false alarm. An eye witness informed DO that he was transferred to Jail. A full cardiac setup with equipment has been transferred to Jail which was assumed falsely by our informant in the Police. Readers must note that Police was trying very hard to take him back to jail so that they don't have to be on high alert near the hospital. However, reports are coming that Qasim is still undergoing treatment in IGMH Hospital and he is in Room No. 58. All the arrangements were made to transfer him to Jail but  doctors did not approve. Qasim is in critical but stable condition now. Readers must appreciate that it is extremely difficult to get information from Male' and especially from inside the hospital and the Police force. This important news is not reported in the local press at all. It is a covert operation in the interest of national security and public safety as far as the authorities are concerned.   Utter Rubbish and Hysterical reaction on the reaction to the report by Maldives Human Rights Commission Since the publication of the report by Human Rights Commission of the Maldives on detainees held by the government in connection with the gathering held in Male on 13 August2004, the commission has received more criticism than perhaps the current government has ever received during its 25 year rule. The constant barrage of criticism the commission has witnessed since the publication of its report on detainees shows the danger and risk associates with the cause of democracy, rule of law in places and countries where it is rarely heard or is grossly misunderstood. read more       Saturday, 25th September 2004  cnuvencned - cniduk Wvwyik ihevid ibit iawgWyixElem * Gayoom must be held accountable for Qasim's poor health Respected businessman, philanthropist and founding Maldivian Democratic Party member Qasim Ibrahim is seriously ill in hospital today with reported breathing difficulties and an irregular heart beat. His condition is said to be serious. Qasim was taken to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male' yesterday evening from his isolation cell in Feydhoo Finolhu detention centre. He has been held there -without charge-  following the 12/13th August pro-democracy demonstration. read more   Qasim still in critical condition Male'- 11:00am - Qasim is still in a critical condition and the government is refusing to allow him to go abroad for medical treatment but rather they want to take him back to Dhoonidhoo because they are afraid that people might gather near IGMH Hospital and protest. However, most people are too scared to go to the hospital fearing for their lives. Police in Maldives is known for their brutality and barbarism.    cmwlok oyeturwm cnwvinim WmInuren cawtcnWywbcsUn cSwLoked iaWkwywb caenwa ukwywbcaea -1 ?eveycaeh Inuveruk ctwyWmiH uqcawH egcnutiycawr ihevid cnUn caencnirevcSuk Ikwncnemcnea Ebit iawgukwtulwj -2 :unUmuawm IkwaWhIm IqIqwH Wrutwf cnIdcnwaiTcsirck iawgEjcaWr -3 ! urwviawb cawtikeh (WlWncsiv) ctogenWv cnumuhejurWyitwh iawgutwaegcaehImwncnwdunurodcnwt * !ejcaevutibWs urWhim cnwk caeairevugod uDob IkwnUmuawm * cnumin cnwkirev egcmUycawq cludubwA cnUmuawm * ? WbukWk Inwncsiv EretEd WmWzin ImIluAwt * cnulWvogcnWviritiawm cawmUycawg cludcbwa unUmuawm *   Local News  Villa Group Head Office raided by police Male'- 04:30 am - Qasim Ibrahim's Villa Shipping and Trading Company head office is being raided since 4:30 this afternoon. They are apparently going through all the paperwork in the building. Previous raids were conducted on the premises but this one appears to be a lengthy and a more thorough one according to the informant. The Police came in plain clothes and entered the premise by force.   Qasim still in critical condition   Male'- 11:00am - Qasim is still in a critical condition and the government is refusing to allow him to go abroad for medical treatment but rather they want to take him back to Dhoonidhoo because they are afraid that people might gather near IGMH Hospital and protest. However, most people are too scared to go to the hospital fearing for their lives. Police in Maldives is known for their brutality and barbarism.    Maldivian Democratic Party  PRESS RELEASE The Maldivian Democratic Party call's on President Gayyoom to immediately repeal the state of emergency in Maldives and restrain himself from escalating the current crisis by continuing the status quo. The Maldivian Democratic Party also calls on the Maldives government and all parties concerned to do everything possible to ensure the medical well-being and the immediate release of Mr. Qasim Ibrahim and all others detained for their advocacy and activities to usher in political pluralism; and the rights of assembly and expression. read more    Maldivian Democratic Party  PRESS RELEASE The Maldivian Democratic Party fears that Gayoom is about to embark on another round of violent repression and torture in the name of national security. Earlier Gayoom’s Ministry of Home Affairs admitted to handcuffing and blindfolding prisoners but justifies this blatant violation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on grounds of "national security." Earlier read more    Amnesty International Zero Tolerance Of Peaceful Opposition In The Maldives   Friday, 24th September 2004   Breaking News  Qasim is under observation - his heartbeat is irregular Qasim's condition is extremely serious and he is now under observation in IGMH hospital. Police wanted to take him to the station with the machines so that they can better isolate him but DO can confirm that the doctors intervened and requested that he be allowed to be in the hospital under observation. We can also confirm that he has requested to be allowed to go abroad for medical treatment. He is very depressed and this could trigger a cardiac arrest (heart attack). He also told someone that he feels that he is going to die. Male' - GMT 20:23 Eyewitness Account : About 30 mins ago Qasim was transferred from the ECG room by Wheel chair to Room no. 58. He was holding his jaw by his hands and his hair was cut short. Qasim was looking downwards to the ground. He looked very pale, tired and exhausted. Male' - GMT 18:58 Qasim's condition is now deteriorating Police now on standby with full riot gear and teargas to crackdown on the well-wishers Qasim Ibrahim is admitted to the hospital People are very concerned about the health of Mr. Qasim. This photo shows the public in the corridor of IGMH near the room where Mr. Qasim is admitted. Male' - 17:08 GMT   Confirmed reports say that Qasim Ibrahim has been admitted to Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male' today. He is reportedly having breathing difficulties. Mr. Qasim and others have now been in custody for over 40 days now. Reports are coming that people are going to the hospital now. He is in Room number 2. Qasim Ibrahim suffers from acute allergy to dust and falls in when he has to inhale polluted and dusty air. Furthermore, Bronchoconstriction can also be triggered by emotional upsets. He underwent major surgery in Germany about a year ago. Gayyoom is very much aware of this but still continues to keep him in detention. Mr. Qasim is one of the most generous and respected figures in Maldives. He is also a members of the Special Majlis. "Gayyoom, please be warned that you are inviting anger and violence" said a local man. Reports say that crowd is getting bigger near the hospital and that the Police is not allowing even Qasim's family to see him.      Latest Updates >> More that a 1000 people are near the hospital now demanding to see Qasim - Male' - GMT 13:40 He is now in Intensive Care Unit - Male' - GMT 13:58 Police is not allowing people to get inside or even close to the hospital - Male' - GMT 14:08 Qasim's condition has stabilised. It is confirmed that he is receiving oxygen because of breathing difficulties Qasim's wife was given only 3 minutes to see him. He was not able to communicate because he was getting oxygen. She cried and begged to be allowed to sit next to him but Police refused her that right. Male' - GMT 14:40 Qasim's condition is deteriorating - Male' - GMT 14:55 Police now on standby with full riot gear and teargas to crackdown on the well-wishers who are gathering near the hospital. It is raining in Male' and people are not able to get close to the hospital. Male' - GMT 15:08 Eyewitness Account : About 30 mins ago Qasim was transferred from the ECG room by Wheel chair to Room no. 58. He was holding his jaw by his hands and his hair was cut short. Qasim was looking downwards to the ground. He looked very pale, tired and exhausted. Male' - GMT 18:58 Qasim's condition is extremely serious and he is now under observation in IGMH hospital. Police wanted to take him to the station with the machines so that they can better isolate him but DO can confirm that the doctors intervened and requested that he be allowed to be in the hospital under observation. We can also confirm that he has requested to be allowed to go abroad for medical treatment. He is very depressed and this could trigger a cardiac arrest (heart attack). He also told someone that he feels that he is going to die. Male' - GMT 20:23   Fathuhulla Jameel Foreign Minister Mr. F. Jameel spat on detainees and even beat them During the last few days there has been much criticism of the Maldives Foreign Ministry both in pro-government sites and dissident sites. I feel that much of this is unfair, as there really is not a lot that either Fathuhulla Jameel or any one else for that matter can do to positively advocate for the government of Maldives when most its actions are devious and against all international norms of behaviour. read more         Thursday, 23rd September 2004 "Inhuman acts" toward prisoners in Maldives, commission finds eTurbo News Prisoners detained following the August 12-13 incidents suffer "inhuman acts," revealed an investigation by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. The commission said it launched an investigation "by sending members of the commission to Maafushi Jail and Dhoonidhoo Jail on August 23" to determine the condition of the prisoners.  The commission said its members were granted access to 19 prisoners (of the 59 detained) at Dhoonidhoo Jail and 21 at Maafushi Jail. read more    Speech by Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP delivered to European Parliament on Thu 16th Sep 2004 Repression and the denial of democracy in the Maldives Sarah Ludford backed a call by the European Parliament for the EU to apply serious pressure on the government of the Maldives - including withdrawal of non-humanitarian aid, smart sanctions against the elite, and warnings to tourists unaware of the authoritarian politics of this Indian Ocean paradise - for an end to the state of emergency and other human rights breaches. She reproached the Commission for its website references to everything being hunky-dory there, prompting a chastened Commissioner Verheugen to promise to update it. read more   Police illegally enter ADK Nashid's Fisheries Complex Maldives police on Tuesday night illegally entered ADK Nashid's fisheries complex in Maandhoo, Laamu Atoll. ADK Nashid, the owner of the complex, was recently taken into police custody but has now been released without charges. When staff at his fisheries complex refused police keys to drawers inside the office, the officers reportedly broke the locks. read more   International pressure helps Gayyoom release some detainees Gayyoom today released 4 detainees arrested last month for taking part in a peaceful protest against his government. They include Akku, the son of a member of the Maldives human rights commission, and Mohoj from Zero Degree Atoll, the most prestigious music band in the country. read more   Ismail Shafeeu lies to the Maldivian people Home Minister Ismail Shafeeu yesterday joined the Gayyoom bandwagon of lying ministers. A press statement from his ministry claimed that detainees were provided with life-vests as they were transported across the sea to their respective prisons. This is an outright lie. read more    Maldivian Democratic Party Flouting international law, the Maldivian Government justifies torture The Maldivian Home Ministry admitted for the first time on Tuesday (21st Sept) that the National Security Services (NSS) in the Maldives used "handcuffing" and "blindfolding" during arrests made after the 12/13th August pro-democracy protest. The Home Ministry, speaking on state-run TV in the Maldives, also admitted that some detainees have suffered "minor injuries". The report of the Maldives Human Rights Commission has been substantiated by Amnesty International. In an appeal dated the 20th September, Amnesty stated that: "One detainee was reportedly thrown down the stairs while being arrested at his home. Another detainee was reportedly chased by police to a harbour where he was beaten so severely that he fell into the sea. A witness reports that while the detainee was in the water, the police continued to throw projectiles at him. When they eventually brought him out of the water, police continued to beat him as they took him away." read more     Editorial We must boycott the upcoming Parliamentary Elections By locking up and detaining the most respected reformist Gayyoom hopes to eliminate opposition to his rule and have a free hand in amending the constitution. The European Union referred to them as 'the democratic future' of the Maldives. This abuse of power by Gayyoom has been strongly condemned by regional governments as well as international organisations. Maldives might be small but it is a member of the global community. Her people also deserve liberty and freedom; a right to an affluent life. read more    :: blast from the past ::    DO  TRIBUTE  Maldivian Heroes of Democracy   23 MPs walked out of the Parliament and protested demanding the constitution of the Maldives to be upheld In a historic move of defiance to uphold the constitution of the Country, 23 Member of the Parliament walked out from today's' assembly. Pro-reformists who are openly advocating pluralistic democracy in the Maldives demanded that the election of the President and Vice-President (as per clause 97 of the Constitution of the Maldives) be conducted according to Clause 133 by a secret ballot. These clauses clearly state that it will be unconstitutional to conduct any election in any other method. However, in total disregard for the constitution of the country, Mr. Abdullah Hameed, the temporary President of today's assembly said "it does not matter, we have traditionally done this by raising hand and that is how we will conduct it today as well". read more  SPECIAL REPORT - August 10th 2004 Mass arrests imminent in the Maldives; Gayyoom to play his final card   The destitute begging near the local market which only a few meters from the Presidential Palace DO has been informed by a very credible source in the government that Gayyoom has ordered the arrest of key reformists in the Maldives who have been promoting pluralistic democracy. Unlike before, this time the government has written to foreign embassies around the world informing them that the Government of Maldives has no other choice but to arrest and restrain the reformists, who they are labeling as terrorists, and alleging that they are plotting to overthrow him and inciting violence. If anyone is inciting violence in the Maldives it is the National Security Service which takes orders directly from Gayyoom. read more   Vote of NO CONFIDENCE for the President! Under no circumstance the President can establish that the events of the 12th and 13th August was a civil unrest which threatened the security of the country. The barbaric reaction of the President has also been described by the European Union as "a disproportionate reaction to a largely peaceful demonstration". Despite the requests and pressure from the public and the international community, the President's declaration of the state of Emergency and his reluctance to repeal it for more than a month, clearly determines his malicious intentions. read more           Wednesday, 22nd September 2004  Minivan Radio  Special Program Tonight Listen to Program 7 which was broadcast tonight      The real impact of EU sanctions on the Maldives There have been a number of statements made by the Maldivian government and a number of concerns expressed by Maldivian citizens after the sanctions resolution in the European Parliament last week (16th Sept.). One the one hand, Gayyoom is attempting to play down the significance of the European Parliament's resolution (we won't even bother commenting on Gayyoom's ridiculous statement about "Zionists and Christians". On the other hand, many Maldivians are worried that they will be subjected to painful pre-war Iraq style sanctions. Neither of these interpretations are correct. read more   "Unlawful and false" - Gayyoom blasts his own human rights commission Gayyoom's stint in the Middle-East is not bringing the dictator any peace of mind, as a series of leaked documents expose more of his lies. In an particularly embarrassing development, Gayyoom's own human rights commission sent a press release to the national media, expressing concern about the condition of the detainees arrested in August in connection with the anti-government demonstration. read more     Gayyoom lied on BBC; Home ministry admits detainees were handcuffed and blindfolded The Maldives government yesterday for the first time acknowledged that some people received injuries as they were arrested in August following the anti-Gayyoom rally. But a home ministry press released read on national TV last evening blamed what it called "minor injuries" on the actions of the detainees themselves, and claimed that police officers had also been hurt. read more   Law class centers on reforming Maldives criminal code The Daily Pennsylvanian While most law students study existing legal codes in school, second-year Law student Adnan Zulfiqar is spending this semester creating one. Zulfiqar is part of a special seminar being offered at Penn Law School this fall entitled "Islamic Criminal Law: Drafting a Criminal Code for the Maldives." Under the guidance of professor Paul Robinson, the class will draft a new criminal code for the Maldives that will be implemented by the Maldivian government. read more    Minivan Radio  Special Announcement Minivan Radio announces a new frequency From tonight 22nd September 2004, Wednesday, Minivan Radio will broadcast on SW 12015 KHz (12.015 MHz) 25 Meter band. This is in order to transmit a clearer signal to the Maldives.     Tuesday, 21st September 2004 UN SECRETARY GENERAL'S ADDRESS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TODAY "Yes, the rule of law starts at home. But in too many places it remains elusive. Hatred, corruption, violence and exclusion go without redress. The vulnerable lack effective recourse, while the powerful manipulate laws to retain power and accumulate wealth. At times even the necessary fight against terrorism is allowed to encroach unnecessarily on civil liberties. At the international level, all states – strong and weak, big and small – need a framework of fair rules, which each can be confident that others will obey. Fortunately, such a framework exists. From trade to terrorism, from the law of the sea to weapons of mass destruction, States have created an impressive body of norms and laws. This is one of our Organization's proudest achievements. And yet this framework is riddled with gaps and weaknesses. Too often it is applied selectively, and enforced arbitrarily. It lacks the teeth that turn a body of laws into an effective legal system." read more   Urgent action needed from Resort Workers Questions remain unanswered because still we are calmly witnessing the inhumane treatment of our bosses, educated elite and respected members of our Parliament being thrown into jail and systematically tortured by the Government of Gayyoom without any regard or respect. We know that Gayyoom is both cruel and inhumane. We must not stand to watch these horrible events. We are responsible for what happens to these people. read more We must boycott local media altogether Enough is enough. It is now time to show them that we the people have power to influence what is informed to us and that we can tackle government propaganda. They are feeding our people with complete lies and trying to project that Gayyoom is the only one who can run our small but old nation. We must stop buying local papers and tuning into their TV and Radio stations. read more   Gayyoom hits back at his own Human Rights Commission Press Release Maldives Human Rights Commission's official press release was refused publication in any of the local press and media. However, it has been widely distributed in Maldives and also it has been distributed throughout the world in English as well. read more      Fassangu 14 Released     csEdWa egcaeyirwd iretWfwv cSwmuawg eruscauhia *   ???eveycaeh caeawkirwt egunImWy Ikwa ejcaWr ihevid *     Monday, 20th September 2004 ! ifiawSwf cnWv iduk iduk uDnwgEm egurWkurws InUmuawm *       ejcaemukin 1-uDwa egurwvwncnih *   Maldives Human Rights Commission Press Release (banned in Maldives) The following News Release is by the Maldives Human Rights Commission today. This was refused publication by all local media. Translated by Dhivehi Observer. The news release states that the detainees were treated inhumanely and calls for repeal of state of emergency. read more     Amnesty International Appeal Incommunicado detention / fear of torture or ill-treatment / prisoners of conscience MALDIVES At least 69 people detained following demonstrations for democratic reform read more    cscTiawr cnwmuaih cnutogEhebWaWsidWh eguhwvud urukuhuLwk cnWywb csUn ivcauren udwaim cnunwximok       !caeyirwdihevid csevIm !Wyin egunUmuawm   Gayoom's  Brutal  Justice   !enEhejcnevuTcauh cnwkirevWyinwaim This barbarity must be stopped!   cnwkirevWyinwa egcnUmuawm InedcSokuzcmwr urwm egcmIswn cnWvIa *  iawgunWdnwh eg cmIswn cnWvIa cmUHurwmclwa * urUAux egutih eguDnwguLwa Sunday, 19th September 2004  Local  NEWS Gayyoom's illicit operations continues with more arrests today ADK Owner Nashid was arrested today Male' - Confirmed reports say that ADK Hospital’s owner, Mr. Nashid was taken to the police today. His office and house were searched and police took things such as computer and mobile phone, which have been confiscated. He was questioned about whether he went to the 12/13th August demonstration and whether or not he funded Ahmed Athif, Male’ member for the constitutional assembly, who is a senior staff at ADK Hospital in Male'. Mr. Nashid is a close associate of Qasim Ibrahim and a moderate person. He was taken to police two years ago for trying to become members of Amnesty International. In that incident he was detained for a few days along with Qasim Ibrahim and Hassan Zahir (Rado). Mr. Nashid is a noted person and many believe that Dhivehi Observer is funded by him, as DO Editor in Chief was a former board member of Horizon Fisheries Private Limited in Maldives of which Mr. Nashid is the Chairman. Special Majlis Member Ibrahim Shareef Arrested today Male' - Another reformist MP who walked out of the first session of the constitutional assembly on 19th July 2004 was arrested today bringing the number of MPs in custody to 12. This is further indication that Gayyoom is completely paranoid with opposition MPs and reformists in general. He cannot stand criticism at all. Hon. Ibrahim Shareef is the Special Majlis Member for Male' Atoll and a popular journalist. Mr. Adnan of ThabahGe arrested today Male' - Adnan has been taken into custody. He had been in an island since the Black Friday incident and came back to Male’ today. He was a vocal protestor on Black Friday demonstration and spoke to the crown with the megaphone. A crime most probably will be punishable by death or stoning.         Evan Naseem was killed by Gayyom's police on 19th Sept. 2003. More killing followed the next day when riots broke out in Maafushi jail.  BREAKING NEWS Protest in Maafushi Jail Reports of fire and jail breakout was confirmed by a prison official last night. Protests were held in Maafushi prison to remember the the brutal murder of Evan Naseem the same day last year. Dozens of police in riot gear beat up several inmates and quelled the protest. There are reports that a number of inmates are seriously injured, some with broken limbs. The Police is refusing to bring them to Male' for treatment fearing that things may go out of control like last year. They are being kept on separate blocks now. Male, k Maldives - Sunday, September 19, 2004 at 04:13:12 (MDT)   Maldivian Democratic Party    Press Release Despite international condemnation Gayoom’s arrests continue Just days after the European Union gave its most vocal warning to the Gayoom regime to release political prisoners and kick-start reform or face immediate sanctions, pro-reformist members of the public are still being arrested in the Maldives.  read more  Minivan Radio  Special Program Tonight Tribute to September 2003 Victims Minivan Radio will broadcast a special one hour program from tonight until Tuesday as a tribute to those who died and suffered at the hands of Gayyoom's security forces last September. Please download the program now and distribute to family and friends. The broadcast will be at the same time – local time 9:00 tonight on SW 13.855 MHz. please download mp3 now Please note that it may take a while to download the file - size is 7 MB. You can also download the zip file.  Minivan Radio  Special Announcement Minivan Radio announces a new frequency From 22nd September 2004, Wednesday, Minivan Radio will broadcast on SW 12015 KHz (12.015 MHz) 25 Meter band. This is in order to transmit a clearer signal to the Maldives. Please send all feedback to minivanradio@gmail.com    Editorial September 2003 and its relation to the fight for democracy in the Maldives Evan Naseem was serving a sentence in Maafushi Jail for the use of drugs. Some disturbances took place in the jail and Evan Naseem was blamed for this. Evan was taken to the RANGE  (the torture chamber) and beaten to death by more than 12 policemen. Evan died because his lungs collapsed after his chest bones fractured and pierced his lungs. This sad incident happened exactly a year ago on 19th September 2003. read more    Blast from the past Maldives... torture in tropical paradise September Killings in Maldives Hassan Evan Naseem Report Shooting_at_Maafusi on 20th Sept. 2004 King Fahd Urges Muslims to Promote Dialogue Arab News Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, a member of the constituent council, called for efforts to defeat the dubious plans of Zionists and colonialists to weaken the Islamic nation and control its wealth. "I believe that MWL can play a big role in this respect with the help of scholars and intellectuals attending this conference," he added. read more   Read more on the Presidents Office Website   Right To Reply 'No bombers in Male' The Sunday Leader Maldivian Trade Minister Abdulla Yameen has denied allegations in our story last week titled "Agitating for the end of a feudal system" that two suicide bombers were employed in his ministry. Following is the letter. read more    Tid Bits Maldives Has the highest Divorce rate in the world. The 50th Anniversary edition of the Guinness books of world records, soon to be published, would declare that the Maldives has the highest divorce rate in the whole world. Is this an achievement to be proud of or something to be ashamed of as it is testament to the collapse of governments policies on making traditional family values the cornerstone of the Maldivian society? more     !caehwvud itevudwl *  ?wtEvun cSwkWrwaEh ,Encnihevid ,Ea *	Minivan Radio  Special Bulletin broadcast on 24.09.04    Local  NEWS   Click here  Minivan   RADIO   Listen to Programs  DO  QUICK GUIDE   Click here  Detainees  LIST   Updates  DO  QUICK GUIDE BBC TV Reports LIST OF DETAINEES Amnesty International Appeal   Special Majlis Members Call them & demand justice!   Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights!     NEW CARTOONS / KOTO   NEW HUMOUR   cqIfwx : csWmitclia   CONTACT US DO Mobile and SMS Hotline + 44 7709911220 (UK) Submit news/articles by fax or e-mail      Fax:   + 44  808 208 3494 EMAIL dhivehiobserver@gmail.com   wvwlihevid NEW POEMS Short Story Maldives; Close your eyes and imagine the History of     Have Your Say DEBATE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM   PHOTO ALBUM     An alternative view point Leaders of tomorrow Who will be the next President of Maldives? send in your comments by email "Verily never will God change the condition of a people until they change it themselves."  Qur'an 13:11 THE DREAM By the strength of our common endeavour, to achieve what we cannot do alone, to grant each of us the power to realize our full potential, and the means to create for this and future generations a community in which power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many not the few, where the respect we receive reflect the duties we owe, so that freed from the tyranny of poverty, ignorance and fear, we could live together in spirit of solidarity tolerance and respect. [Clause 4 - Labour Party - UK]   No boundaries can hold us!   WE ARE WAKING UP NOW OUT OF THE PAST, TO DREAM A BIGGER DREAM WE ARE FRIENDS AND EQUALS WE ARE DIVERSE AND UNIQUE AND WE SHOULD BE UNITED FOR SOMETHING BIGGER THAN OUR DIFFERENCES WE BELIEVE IN FREEDOM AND COOPERATION WE ARE A CULTURE EMERGING WE FIND OUR OWN GUIDANCE AND WE DISCERN OUR OWN TRUTH WE GO IN MANY DIRECTIONS BUT WE REFUSE TO DISPERSE WE ARE LOCAL AND GLOBAL WE ARE THE WAVE OF EVOLUTION WE ARE IN EVERY CHILDS EYES WE FACE THE UNKNOWN WITH WONDER AND EXCITEMENT LIVING IN THE PRESENT AND WE SPEAK OUR TRUTH WE CANNOT BE QUIETED BECAUSE OUR VOICE IS WITHIN EVERYONE WE ARE BUILDING A NEW MALDIVES THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE NO BOUNDARIES CAN HOLD US!   by email - 29th August 2004   Today's Message to Gayyoom Come to your senses and listen to your people. You might sill be in power but are you there because people really want you to be? Think hard, no one lives forever. I advise you to do some good before your time is up. Listen to the world too! They can't all be lying, or can they? Hassan Ibrahim, Male' Read all Messages Open Forum Many of us fail to understand why so many people, especially the anti-Gayyoom movement, are passionately writing about Evan Naseem and the other prison inmates. I realise that the reasons are quite obvious. Most of those people are convicted criminals. Even if the convictions were by the corrupt legal system of the country, many of us have seen how some of these criminals, on whose behalf the scores of people have written, have broken the law and done some despicable deeds. They are criminals. They deserve to be imprisoned. Yes. But they SHOULDN'T be tortured. They can be kept in prison, separated from family with restrictions on movement and activities as the punishment. Torture cannot be accepted. That IS the reason why people are speaking on their behalf. We are not saying that the crimes that they committed were good. We are not supporting criminals. We are not supporting drug abuse. We ARE against the torture and physical afflictions suffered by the prisoners because of systematic abuse of power and organised torture within the Maldivian prison system. For that we are calling for unity and show of support. Another view Male', Maldives - Friday, September 17, 2004 at 21:11:10 (MDT)
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