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Maldives Culture editors threatened by Gayyoom

Dhivehi Observer - 11 June 2004

Abdul Rahman (sorry Michael- we could not resist it) and Fareesha are true heroes of Maldives. DO requested for permission to publish a photograph of the couple but they declined on the grounds that it may give the wrong person the opportunity to eliminate them.

MC has received a threatening letter from a Singapore Law firm Harry Elias Partnership (below), which says " we act for the President of Maldives, its government and her servants", what an admission to Gayyoom's view on who he is, what he is and who we the Maldivians are.

What has been said for years by the writers for the Maldives Culture website is being proved true, as evidenced by the 9 June 2004 reform speech from the President of Maldives himself.

The editors accept that 'His Excellency the President is not under the control of one Koli Ali Maniku'. We have always understood the president is responsible for his own actions and the actions of his National Security Service

"MC has removed an anonymous email about Koli Ali Manik that made wide-ranging but unsupported allegations.

"Regarding Gayyoom, we stand by everything we have written, in fact we have often been too kind to him" said Michael O'shea.

This is a clear indication of his absolute determination to intimidate anyone who says anything against his rule or criticise his family and friends. One wonders why he is so untouchable, that you cannot even tell him that he is now most certainly an illegitimate ruler of a country. People are even today kept from getting this kind of information but thanks to the internet and other communication tools, we can reach out to the people.

If Gayyoom truly meant what he said and will embark on the promises he made, why on earth can he not lift the bans of the websites that are most certainly informative and will empower the people of Maldives to make up their mind.

Michael and Fareesha have continued to work tirelessly and must be recognised as one of the most prominent people is shaping the future of Maldives. Their love for Maldives is unquestionable and their resolve is strong to ensure that justice prevails and the people of Maldives, not the President, its government and her servants, but the people of Maldives are justly treated, live in a society that upholds the rule of law with opportunities to live a happy rewarding life, with respect for one another, with tolerance and respect.

DO calls on all its readers to stand firm with Maldives Culture to show our total appreciation of the great work Michael and Fareesha are doing.

Michael and Fareesha's Maldives Culture is instrumental and will go down in history whether Gayyoom, his government and her servants like it or not.

DO would like to thank both these outstanding people for their efforts.

Abdul Rahman (sorry Michael- we could not resist it) and Fareesha are true heroes of Maldives. DO requested for permission to publish a photograph of the couple but they declined on the grounds that it may give the wrong person the opportunity to eliminate them. To even imagine that this day in age, to be comprehending a possible assassination is beyond belief but that is the plain truth.

Abdul Rahman said "our work is costing them billions, they will stop at nothing, we have to be careful"