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MDP press release - 7th September 2004

EU demands repeal of Maldives Emergency

September 7^th, 2004, Colombo

The European Union today demanded that the Maldivian Government "immediately repeal the emergency" which was placed on the island nation last month after widespread pro-democracy demonstrations in the capital, Male'.

Following a visit to the Maldives by a delegation of EU diplomats, the statement went on to say that the "emergency and the subsequent mass arrests seem to be a disproportionate reaction to what was a largely peaceful demonstration." The government's actions "have the potential to derail the reform process, which is at a crucial stage." The EU expressed concern over "the continuing detention without charge" of those arrested following the protests and called on the government to "restore all fundamental rights" to Maldivian citizens.

In a remarkable diplomatic snub, the high-level EU team, headed by the Dutch Ambassador Susan Blankhart, said it had been "denied access" to political prisoners by the Maldivian government despite demanding to see them.

The EU said it would "be paying close attention to developments" and urged the Maldivian government to "press ahead with an open, inclusive, and thorough reform process, which will be the best way to ensure continued stability in the Maldives."

MDP shares EU disappointment

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) welcomed the statement by the EU and shares its disappointment in being denied access to political prisoners arrested after the August 13-14^th demonstrations.

The MDP is particularly worried for the safety of those held by the government, after reports of severe beatings of the detainees whilst in captivity and the refusal of the Maldivian authorities to grant prisoners medical treatment. Former SAARC Secretary General and MDP Councillor Hon. Ibrahim Zaki MP is believed to be in very poor health. Recent reports indicate that he has been given crutches as he is physically unable to move normally. It must be remembered that prior to his arrest he was in perfect health. Another case is that of Ahamed Thoriq of G. Kondhiparu, who has been severely beaten and is in urgent need of medical treatment.

The MDP's concern has been heightened by reports that the National Security Service (NSS) is transferring selected groups of detainees to other detention centres, some of which are not even acknowledged in official circles as bona fide detention centres.

The MDP calls on the Gayyoom regime not just to restore rights in the manner in which they existed before the crackdown but to grant Maldivians fundamental rights IN FULL. These include freedom of association, assembly, speech and fair trail and the right to be free from torture. These rights are enshrined in the constitution of the Maldives as fundamental rights but have been denied to the people by the government of Maumoon Gayyoom, who himself enjoys dictatorial powers.

The MDP requested registration as a political party in the Maldives in 2001 but, contravening article 17 of the Maldivian constitution, has been denied that status by Mr Gayyoom, who has ruled the country with an iron fist for over 26 years and according to Amnesty International, has a very poor human rights record.

END