:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Foreign Minister Mr. F. Jameel spat on detainees and even beat them

Mariyam Mohamed, Male', 24th Sept. 2004

Fathuhulla Jameel

During the last few days there has been much criticism of the Maldives Foreign Ministry both in pro-government sites and dissident sites. I feel that much of this is unfair, as there really is not a lot that either Fathuhulla Jameel or any one else for that matter can do to positively advocate for the government of Maldives when most its actions are devious and against all international norms of behaviour.

Nevertheless, there are certain issues of concern regarding Mr. Jameel. We have credible reports from the NSS stating that Mr. Jameel was acting as commander-in-chief on the day of the crack down of the pro-democracy demonstration on the 13^th August 2004. All actions on that day of the crack down were conducted according to his advice. This perhaps explains the form and the manner of the crack down. It was exactly in the traditional Dhivehi norm of mass arrests as many have seen in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

More disturbing has been the revelation that Mr. Jameel spat on a detainee and even beat them while they were blindfolded and handcuffed.

Initial crackdown was witnessed by many people on boats and nearby buildings

Mr. Jameel should understand that although European Ambassadors might overlook his fury at them as childish behaviour neither the International Community nor the people of Maldives will tolerate his brutishness.

The Maldives Human Rights Commission (MHRC) is aware of the facts of the matter and has stated them most eloquently in their press statement. Through the MHRC statement it is now easy to establish that there is a pattern and methodology of ill treatment and torture by Maldives Police and the matter can be lodged with many international courts.