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Ilyasbe' brought to Male'

Abujee in IGMH Hospital in September '03

Abujee released.. walk of freedom

Ibra's arrest	Ziyattey at home

Reformists recuperating from the inhumane ordeal

DO NSS police correspondent, 19 November 2004

Reformists are recovering from their ordeal, according eyewitnesses. The torture and ill treatment did nothing to dent their determination, if anything, they are more determined to work towards a better democracy in Maldives.

Key reformists and activists have been transferred to house arrest. They are barred from communicating with anyone. Sources within the police reveal that the government has no case whatsoever against the reformists. Gayyoom fears them for their courage and determination. Interrogations were conducted at times in the presence of attorney Thimarafushi Nashid from the Attorney General's Office and most questions were like, "Do you know Sappe' and Anni? Do you work for MDP and DO?" None were related to the demonstration and the allegation of trying to overthrow Gayyoom.

According to friends, Ilyas and Shuaib are very sad to have been brought home while several of their colleagues are still in prison. They wanted to be in jail till the last minute, acting as witnesses and keeping morale high.

It is widely believed that the government has no case to bring against anyone who participated in the peaceful demonstration on Black Friday. However, much is being done now to take statements from the detainees that they were not tortured or ill-treated during their arrest and subsequent detention. This is to show the world that Gayyoom did everything in accordance with the law.

Reformists who are still in custody are believed to be refusing to sign any statements, and to this day are calling for their unconditional release.

Gayyoom's plan to scare and intimidate the reformists have certainly backfired as all these reformists will file charges against him and testify to the wider world of the torture and ill treatment they suffered.

Details of torture and inhumane treatment to our brothers and sisters can never be revealed in full until the dictator is gone or hopefully dies of a heart attack - or rather is paralysed,' said a family friend of a reformist who has trouble standing up for more than 10 minutes due to injuries to his back.
'We can also go around beating the hell out of Gayyoom and his family but we are law-abiding people and above all, we are human. It is the duty of an honest judge to punish these bastards and that day will come very soon.'
These sentiments clearly draw a picture of a public raging in anger and hatred, but not yet willing to risk their livelihoods by breaking the law.

DO also has information that several reformists submitted their applications to participate in the upcoming elections. In the interest of Public Security, the names will not be revealed at this stage.