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In brief; MDP press conference

Dhivehi Observer, Thursday, 19th August 2004

Below is a brief of thewell-attended MDP press conference held at Galle Face Hotel today at 1700 Hrs on Monday, 16th of August. In addition to the local electronic and print media, members of the international media such as BBC, Reuters, AFP, and AP were present among others. Over 30 media people attended the conference. MDP secretariat Mohamed Latheef briefed the media on the situation in Maldives and explained the background which led to the current situation. In response to questions posed by the journalists, he explained :

The role of Minister Yameen's private Militia in trying to provoke unrest
The stage-managed "fire" and "attempted attack" on the police
The brutality and torture the 300 detainees are being subjected to
Minister Yameen's personal involvement in the repression and speculation about his supposed plan to murder key MDP activists in exile
Ramifications of Gayyoom's intransigence on tourism and the economy in general
Gayyoom's abuse of citizen's constitutional rights and his disregard for the rule of law
The on-going torture and humiliation of the seven reformist members of the Special Majlis, MDP activists and pro-democracy sympathizers
The fear psychosis presently gripping the country
Gayyoom's pathetic lies to spin what is a peaceful pro-democracy movement into a "rebellion"
Gayyoom and Yameen's embezzlement of government funds.
The reason why 42% of the population live in poverty.
His failure to provide the population with such basic services as education, healthcare and jobs.
His blatant abuse of Islam and state terrorism as tools to maintain his oppressive rule for over 26 years.

Latheef was joined by Mr. Niranjan Deva, who is the Member of the European Parliament for South East England. Mr. Niranjan Deva is one of Her Majesty's Deputy Lieutenant's of Greater London, Conservative Spokesman for Overseas Development and Cooperation in the European Parliament, Honorary Ambassador to the Government of Sri Lanka, an Honorary Special Advisor to the Leader of the Conservative Party and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. He gave an impassioned speech on Gayyoom's corruption and his brutal, oppressive rule.