:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Gayoom must be held accountable for Qasim's poor health

By Fathimath Shimla in Male' - 25^th September, 2004

'You must be honest and maintain integrity in your responsibilities; the authorities that you receive must reflect the duties you owe. I have no doubt that by adhering to these values, freed from the tyranny of poverty, ignorance and fear, we will all be able to pave the way to live in a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect'

Qasim Ibrahim - Founder
Villa Foundation
Inaugural Speech March 2003

Profile of Qasim Ibrahim
www.villahotels.com

Qasim Ibrahim at the 1st Reform Debate - 29th June

Qasim Ibrahim speaking in the reform debate - 13th July 2004

Qasim Ibrahim and other MPs requesting the public to show restraint and let democracy take its course peacefully - 13th August

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 12/13^th August pro-democracy demonstration.

As family and friends went to the hospital yesterday evening they were apparently refused entry by the President's National Security Service (NSS), who had blocked off the entrance to the hospital and the surrounding area. It has been reported that the NSS, fearful of mass unrest in Male', attempted to move the critically ill Qasim back into detention but were persuaded from doing so by medical staff at the hospital.

Many Maldivians are deeply concerned for Qasim's health and well-being. The authorities are well aware that Qasim suffers from a heart condition which is aggravated by stress. Yet for over 40 days, Qasim has been held in solitary confinement in a tiny cell, measuring no more than 6 feet by 6 feet. He has been refused access to a lawyer, refused medication and the authorities have forbidden reading material to be given to him. It has been reported that Qasim's head has been shaved and the NSS have been drugging him in order to extract confessions.

The way Qasim, and others, have been treated by the Maldivian government is nothing short of disgraceful. There is a worrying tendency that the government of President Gayoom will stop at nothing to remain in power. Not only is the government arresting and locking up political opponents but it is also trying to humiliate them through head-shavings, drugging, beatings and sexual abuse.

Qasim's health must be given the utmost priority by the authorities. If it is in his interests to do so, Qasim must be allowed to go abroad for medical care. Furthermore, Gayoom's security forces should immediately release Qasim from incarceration and stop all activity that could cause him further stress.

The Maldivian government know Qasim has a serious heart complaint that is aggravated by stress. They knew this when they beat him and locked him in solitary confinement, they knew this when they prevented him access to his family and friends and they knew this when they shaved his head, drugged and humiliated him.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the burden of responsibility for Qasim's health falls squarely on the shoulders of President Gayoom and his government.