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Attorney general Hassan Saeed unfit for office, says Ibrahim Luthfee

DO report - 30 October 2004

Hassan Saeed the attorney general of Maldives is working only in Gayyoom's interests, claims Sandhaanu editor Ibrahim Luthfee.

Hassan Saeed is not providing justice and he cannot be considered as independent; rather he is working in the self-interest of Gayyoom who wants revenge on those who have dared to challenge him. Gayyoom wants heavy sentences for high profile reformers to intimidate their potential supporters, Luthfee said.

Recognised by the UNHCR as a political refugee, Luthfee was talking on Minivan Radio which is broadcast to Maldives each Wednesday. Hassan Saeed promised he would reform the law, yet now he is preparing cases against innocent people, he said. Saeed knows what he is doing; he isn't ignorant of Gayyoom's cruel draconian system.

The government has been scheming carefully to make the most effective cases possible against these innocent people. That is why charges have been delayed, Luthfee told Minivan. The reformers are lawyers or have legal advice, and they are refusing to sign false statements, he said.

Minivan Radio continues to broadcast informative recordings of the reform meetings held in Male' before the 13 August attack on the capital by the National Security Service (NSS). Portrayed by Gayyoom as dangerous forums for incitement to treason, this week's recording featured relaxed and humorous speeches punctuated by polite clapping from the audience.

Minivan Radio also spoke with Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) spokesman Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), who has threatened legal action in UK courts against Gayyoom's torture methods if charges are laid against reformers.

Anni said real changes were needed to make the special constitutional Majlis workable. He pointed out that under the constitution, the special Majlis has to be convened by its speaker. (see: Abbas Ibrahim - the bear with claws) The special Majlis should be active every working day,' said Anni, 'instead of waiting for the speaker's call.'

Anni explained that constitutional Majlis members should be drafting law whenever they meet and each member should make an individual input to this work, depending on their area of expertise. Working reports should be publicly available and people in the electorates would be able to advise their members as the work proceeds.

Regarding the elections for the People's Majlis on 31 December 2004, Anni urged voters to choose members they liked and respected, not just the candidates the government wants. The country will improve as the Majlis becomes a place where proper laws are made.

Anni mentioned his personal experience as a former Majlis member. Many members refuse to attend the vital committee meetings with the excuse they have a lot of work to do for their other government jobs, he claimed. Maldivians should be worried about this, because the nation's laws were being undermined by the neglect of people who cannot do the work. Voters should choose members who can devote themselves full-time for their electorate's benefit and in the interests of the country's legal system, he said.

DO chief editor Ahmed Moosa (Sappe') made an eloquent plea for voters to elect reform candidates in the coming election. If 30 MDP members are elected to the People's Majlis (all People's Majlis members are automatically members of the special constitutional Majlis) then the reform movement will be able to remove Gayyoom from power, said Sappe.

The Minivan broadcast ended with a brief roundup of the Maldives weekly news from the Dhivehi Observer website.

Minivan Radio
New Frequency: From 31st October 2004, Minivan Radio will be broadcast on a new frequency of 11810 Khz (11.810 Mhz) 25 Meter Band.

Gayyoom successfully jams Minivan reception in the capital Male', but in the islands, where 75% of the population live, Minivan has a large audience. This month, Gayyoom issued public notices in many islands banning people from listening to Minivan and asking islanders to inform on people who do.

Full digital recordings all Minivan Radio broadcasts are available here.

See also: Radio broadcasts spread hatred and contempt, claims Gayyoom