19th September is a dark day in our history :: Dhivehi Observer

Editorial

One of the darkest days in our history

By A. S. I. Moosa (Sappe'), 19 September 2005

On 19th September 2003, a young man, Evan Naseem was brutally murdered by Gayyoom's security forces. He was brutally beaten to death by more than 12 policeman allegedly for disobeying orders and hitting a policeman with a piece of wood. The policeman he hit was the best setter of their volleyball team and revenge had to be taken.

Evan was taken to the infamous 'Range' - a workshop area in jail - by the policemen or security guards (in Maldives, police, army, firemen, coastguard and navy are all the same officially then - a cosmetic separation of police and the army took place in September 2004 as part of Gayyoom's reform package) and they took turn to beat the life out of him. In the midst of all this hype and intention to take revenge, they beat him so severely that his lungs collapsed and he died late that night.

Evan's death came as a shock to his friends who were sharing the cell with him in jail. When they heard the news of the brutal death of their friend, they broke out of their cells and went to see the Officer in Charge demanding an explanation the next morning. However, their demand was to be seen as a 'threat' to the security of the jail and police randomly shot at them, killing 4 inmates and injuring dozens more.

Reports of the investigation conducted in the aftermath of the tragic death of these young men revealed the shear brutality of Gayyoom's regime and the inhumanity of his policies. The graphic pictures of Evan's bruised body and that of those who died and got injured the next day are vivid proof of Gayyoom's inhumanity and disregard for the rule of law. Several people including former prisoners and even security officials have raised the issues of the systematic torture of in prisons directly to Gayyoom but he never ever acted on them. Hence, there is no doubt that Gayyoom is directly responsible for these deaths, which shocked the nation because for the first time the people witnessed his cruel acts in person.

As usual, Gayyoom tried to hide the truth and wanted to bury these people without letting the public know. But, news leaked and the people of Male' went to see Evan Naseem at the cemetery to pay their respect. People also went to see the others who were brought to Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital with gunshot wounds, some of whom were dead when they were brought to the hospital.

Riots broke out in Male' as people were outraged. Gayyoom was however able to contain the crowd as usual by giving a speech explaining that it was to protect the security of the jail that the government had to use firearms against unarmed civilians - the inmates. He then ordered a curfew that night and thought that it was the end of it. What is most astounding is that the local media did not report these events, especially the brutal murders that had taken place in the country but concentrated on reporting news about the unrest that was sparked by the crime committed by Gayyoom.

Many vowed on that day to work hard to bring an end to Gayyoom's brutal regime. And, soon after Gayyoom was exposed in a BBC interview in October 2003 and dissidents regrouped to launch a formal campaign against his tyranny.

Today, we will be remembering Evan and his friends but the important question is, when will we be free from this tyranny. That would a fitting tribute to the many lives that have been lost as a result of Gayyoom's oppressive regime in Maldives since 1978.

We the people of Maldives must unite and challenge this illegitimate regime and bring an end to it and by doing so we can be certain that these criminal activities will never be repeated. Gayyoom is incapable of change because he does not recognise the rights of anyone but his own. During the last few days, we have seen how cruel he can be and to which extent he will fight to prolong his rule and remain in power.

Crimes against humanity by Gayyoom

This barbarity must be stopped!

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