Updated: 10/05/2008 01:16:10

News in Brief  Maldives Today Main - September 2004 -  August 2004 - July 2004 - June 2004 Monday, 30th August 2004 Cabinet Reshuffle on the horizon DO has received information from a high ranking official that Gayyoom has written to cabinet ministers suggesting a possible re-shuffle of the cabinet. He mentioned that last time he did this some of them went against him, referring to Dr. Munavvar and Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, who were laid off last November. This time around, Gayyoom wants a written commitment from each minister that they will not go against him. A golden hand shake is perhaps the answer. Some ministers are destined to be posted as Maldives Ambassadors abroad. New embassies and representative officers are to be openly shortly. read more in DO Editorial read more 27th August 2004, Male'     Justice Minister Ahmed Zahir visiting America Justice Minister Seena Zahir is currently visiting USA, details of the trip are not known to the public. Some pundits believe that this is part of the propaganda operations of Gayyoom in trying to convince the world that he is a democratic leader and that the Black Friday was nothing but ‘MOB ATTACK’ on his legitimate government. According to the pundits, Gayyoom did not foresee this much international attention to the Maldives issue.     Officials from United States of America are in Maldives DO can confirm that a delegation from US is currently in Maldives and have visited the jail islands today. They are also on a fact finding mission. Many locals have met them and briefed them about the events of this month.     Commonwealth and Amnesty International Delegation to visit Maldives DO have information that Commonwealth delegation will be visiting Maldives shortly to find out more about the situation in the Maldives. A delegation of Amnesty International is also expected to visit the Maldives on a fact finding mission and to lobby for the release of prisoners detained arbitrarily.     Islamic Society of Britain alerted about the situation in the Maldives Maldivian reformists in UK have contacted the Islamic Society of Britain [ http://www.isb.org.uk ] with regard to the situation in the Maldives. Especially to highlight the attempts by Gayyoom to label Sheikh Fareed and his friends as fundamentalists and terrorists. They have also been notified that Gayyoom uses Islam to his advantage and labels reformists and pro-democracy leaders of Maldives as Christian Missionaries. Islamic Society of Britain is one of the most reputable Islamic bodies in Europe.       Detainees to remain in custody until elections DO can reveal that Adam Zahir has informed his investigating officers that the governments current plan is to keep the key detainees in detention for 30 days during which to get the papers signed for further prosecution and detention. The Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed is currently involved and assisting them with the legal positions. They are expected to remain under house arrest with no contacts with anyone indefinitely. Our sources also also claim that the government plans to keep the detained MP's under arrest until the upcoming Citizens Majlis elections. The government is is also said to be contemplating to take them out of the Majlis and to elect new members as soon as they can conjure up a valid excuse to carry out its illegal activities. Gayyoom is also reportedly suspicious of some of the members of his cabinet and some leading NSS figures and all groups are actively spying on each other. A cabinet reshuffle is expected before November 11 because of these suspicions. Gayyoom is also reportedly suffering from severe insomnia as he struggles to hold on to power at all costs. Gayyoom special militia in NSS lead by Adam Zahir is still on high alert. 'Ghost Detainees' believed to be hidden We are increasingly worried about reports of Ghost Detainees (unlisted or not registered as being detained - hence missing people) under NSS custody. It is believed that that there might be hundreds held in detention in different NSS buildings around Male'.  These are people who were brutally injured by the NSS on Friday the 13th. Many Male' families are worried because they have no idea where their family members are. The government is refusing to admit there is anybody held in custody that has not been informed of. Women and children are believed to held and in need of medical attention. And the government is making ridiculous statements about how they are releasing people as they are being processed.     up       Sunday, 29th August 2004     Mohamed Naseem, Laamu Atoll Member Laamu Atoll Member Mohamed Naseem arrested last night - 11 members in custody now Gayyoom's National Security Service last night arrested another member of the constitutional assembly, Hon. Mohamed Naseem (Nafaa), Laamu Atoll Member. Confirming yet again that he is after everyone who has shown any kind of defiance to his rule. Mr. Naseem was also one of the 23 members who walked out of the Assembly in protest. Gayyoom's brother Hameed even arranged for a rally in Laamu Atoll near Maandhoo Fisheries Complex of which Mr. Naseem is a partner. Mr. Naseem is most famous in the Maldives for the Television Program NAFAA, which discusses business and economics. Gayyoom cannot label people like Naseem as being criminal elements, fundamentalists or even Christian missionaries either. Mr. Naseem is however works as a consultant for Qasim Ibrahim, who has been in solitary confinement since 13th August, Black Friday along with 6 other members. The total number of Majlis Members of the Constitutional Assembly in custody is now 11 with an additional member, Shareef of Addu on Male' arrest. He was stopped from travelling and passport has been confiscated.     The Parliament seats occupied by dummies DO has confirmed that on last Thursday's Majlis meeting held by Gayyoom to "inform the parliament of the current situation", on top of the out right lies Gayyoom told that day, was infact a charade created for the benefit of Gayyoom's media.   The Majlis audience seats were all occupied by president's office staff. They were informed to attend the Majlis meeting before any public is due to arrive so that most of Majlis seats can be occupied by president office staffs. The public who arrived little bit later were sent back home after they have been told the audience seats were already occupied. No seats were made available. It is believed that this was a stunt conjured up by Gayyoom's foreign PR firm. At the meeting Shaheed Zaki criticized the government for its excessive force used against the ordinary public.   Does Gayyoom think he can try and deceive the people this much and the people will simply not know about it? Can this man ever stop telling lies? The truth is clear. Gayyoom needs to be removed if he is unwilling to resign.   up       Saturday, 28th August 2004 Meemu Atoll Member Ahmed Shafeeq arrested this evening   From left: Meemu Atoll Member Ahmed Shafeeq, Thaa Atoll Member Dr. Hussain Rasheed and Ali Atoll Member Ilyas Hussain all three are now in custody Meemu Atoll Member Ahmed Shafeeq has been arrested tonight and is now in custody along with 9 other members of the special majlis (constitutional assembly of the Maldives).   Everyone in the Maldives should now know the truth behind the outrageous acts of Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom on 13th August which has caused great distress to thousand of Maldivians. 'This is totally unbelievable, he is still arresting people. He does not want to be criticised by anyone but praised all the time. He thinks he is God!' said the informant.   The world must not turn a blind eye to these illicit activities of Gayyoom. The people of Maldives are fed up with the regime of Gayyoom and wants change and the international community must do its part in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld in the Maldives, after all we are also a member of the world community.   The people of Maldives will run out of patience at some point and might take things into their own hands. Who is the world going to blame then? So, formidable action is needed now before things get out of hand. Who can sleep well when their whole family is behind bars, beaten, molested and even killed.     Sobir in Germany; Local TV news in Dhivehi reported that Germany is with Gayyoom; that EU Mission is satisfied with his brutality - On the contrary, the English news reported that German Chancellor welcomes democratic reform and nothing about the EU Mission report   Hassan Sobir, Tourism Minister Tourism Minister Sobir is now in Germany to lobby EU members not to impose economic sanctions on Maldives as a result of loosing confidence in Gayyoom's government, which the world at large now believes is brutal and oppressive after the incident of Black Friday 13th August. Local TV news in Dhivehi language at 8:00 pm local time reported that according to German officials, EU mission is satisfied with the way Gayyoom's government is treating the detainees and that the German government has assured that EU will not impose economic sanctions on Maldives. According to our sources in EU, the fact finding mission report was scheduled to be submitted to the EU Commission only yesterday 27th August and no public announcements or press releases have been made as yet but a press release is expected in the coming week.   This propaganda was confirmed when the English version of the news at 9:00 pm local time did not mention anything about the EU mission report or sanctions but a reference was made to the fact that the German Chancellor welcomed democratic reform proposed by Gayyoom last June. Maldivians are as usual kept in the dark and Gayyoom's propaganda machine is in full swing.     Women's Affair Minister Aneesa Ahmed in Singapore lobbing for Gayyoom Minister Aneesa is in Singapore convincing the authorities there that Gayyoom is a democratic leader despite being labelled as one of the worst dictators in the world today, a dying breed at that. What is quite amazing is that Aneesa is also meeting with Maldivian students there explaining that the purpose of this visit was to clarify the events of 13th August. Aneesa is due to visit Malaysia on the same mission.     Male' Member Hon. Athif supports multi-party democracy - Speaking in the Reform Debate on 5th July 2004 Male' Member of the Consitutional Assembly Hon. Ahme Athif (X-Ray) detained by Police Hon. Member of the Special Majlis for Male' has been summoned to the Police this afternoon bringing the total of parliament members in custody to 9. Reports confirm that he has not been released.   Haa Dhaal Member Adhil who was summoned to the police day before yesterday is also still in custody. Also, last week, Addu Member Shareef was taken to police from airport and released after confiscating his passport.   It is becoming very clear what this is all about. Gayyoom is trying to apprehend all members who staged the protest against his rule on 19th July. A protest against his 'GODLY' rule is certainly seen as treason or coup attempt or fundamentalist terrorists or unruly elements?? Dr. Shaheed and the Maldivian government appears reluctant to stick to one line of explanation.     up         Friday, 27th August 2004 Haa Dhaal Member detained by Police   Hon. Member of the Special Majlis for H Dh. Atoll was summoned to the Police last night. Reports confirm that he has not been released. It is further indication that Gayyoom is arresting and harassing every one who has opposed him over the past few week. Mr. Adhil is also one of the 23 MPs who walked out of the parliament on 19th July in protest. He is also a vocal reformist and a strong supporter of democracy and freedom movement of Maldives.     up         Wednesday, 25th August 2004 Gayyoom banning more internet websites   In an effort to silent dissent and mislead the public about the events of Maldives currently, Gayyoom is banning independent media sources left right and center in the past few days. Due to Gayyoom's apparent dislike for the truth Initially forced Gayyoom to ban Dhivehi Observer since we began. To this date he has been un successful in completely banning our site being accessed from the Maldives.   After the failure to ban DO, Gayyoom has started to ban many international media websites in the Maldives. These include regional news media organisations as well. More attempts of censorship include heavy editing of BBC news before it is aired in the Maldives. According to the government this is done to make the news "consistent with reality".   Due to these problems we will be bringing articles from some international media in a DO browser from now on so that Gayyoom cannot restrict access to the news.   Unrest among members of Yameen's gang DO can reveal that Yameen has paid the group Mrf 400,000/= to distribute among the members of the gang  as a bonus for the work that the members of the gang has carried out in terrorizing the population of Male'. Defectors from these gangs informs us that Victory Suzeyn and Dhonbileh Ahmed has kept all the money themselves and other members of the gang are fighting for their share. One of Yameen's conditions to the gang before giving the bonus was that they do not reveal any secrets or information and the names of their leaders to any body that they might have to answer at a later date.   Aafathis reporter Still detained Aafathis reporter and photographer HUSSAIN FIYAZ MOOSA who was doing his duty on the Republican square and covering the Black Friday event is still detained by the government. It is believed that Fiyaz captured hard to deny moments of NSS brutality on that fateful day. This is also proof that that the government is going to great lengths to cover up the truth of the 13th Friday. His friends and family appeal to international bodies to help in trying to obtain his freedom.   up     Monday, 23rd August 2004 Ibra's office raided today This morning around 0900 hrs the police raided illegally detained Male' MP Ibrahim Ismail's office. The NSS spend more than 2 hours illegally rummaging through everything in the office. The NSS left his office around 1115 hrs. The NSS took 2 CPU's (PC), 3 CD's, 4 Floppy disks and some papers. No search warrant was shown at the premises and they acted like thugs verbally and sometimes physically abusing everybody at the premises. Gasim Ibrahim's office was similarly raided the previous night.   up     Sunday, 22nd August 2004 Addu Atoll Member Shareef taken into custody from Male' Airport tonight DO has received confirmed reports that the Honarable Member of the Special Majlis (Parliament) Mr. Ibrahim Shareef (Addu Shareef) was arrested tonight after he had cleared customs and immigration at the airport. It is reported that Shareef was on his way to Colombo on a private visit. Hon. Shareef has been a vocal critic of Gayyoom's governing style and a pro-reformist. 'He has no links with the demonstrations but he is arrested because of his opposition to the government' said the informant. This brings the total number of parliament members in custody to a total of eight. As reported earlier, all the member who walked out of the parliament on 19th July in protest have been black listed by Gayyoom as enemies of the state, which he believes he owns.   28 detainees from the Black Friday protest are now hidden in Maafushi Jail DO has obtained inside information that 28 detainees have been transferred to Maafushi Island prison today from Girifushi training island. Many believe this is an attempt to hide these injured detainees from the EU Fact Finding delegation who will be arriving to the Maldives tomorrow, Sunday. DO has already alerted relevant authorities in this regard. This and continued arrests of further dissidents of the regime of Dictator Gayyoom is the prime evidence that the world needs to render its support for the cause of implementing pluralistic democracy in the Maldives. The detaineess are kept in pairs of 4 in 8ft by 8ft cells. They were brought in to the prison in handcuffs. They all looked poorly and seemingly distressed. Surely, Gayyoom must be mad to think that he can sell his 'plot' to the rest of the world. MEP delegation will not be for sale. The EU delegation has been briefed on the Maldives situation and they are bound to criticise Gayyoom after their investigation. Several reformists who are not behind bars are willing to speak to them.   up         Sunday, 21st August 2004 Mr. Saadiq meets with EU human rights commission Mr. Saadiq is returning tonight from Brussels after meeting EU Human Rights Commission and other EU leaders. They have promised to monitor the situation and to take appropriate actions if Maldives fails to protect the rights of the politicians and others who are currently in detention. The French foreign ministry has informed its nationals to be cautious if and when they visit Maldives. US State Dept. is also expected to issue a similar travel advisory this Monday.   Eyewitness tells of torture From eye witness accounts of scenes related to arrests following mass arrests on the 13th and 14th August, MDP Spokesman Mohamed Latheef’s daughter Jennifer was beaten when she was taken into main NSS headquarters. She was blindfolded at the time but there were people who saw the actions of the police. She was bleeding from the mouth due a severe blow delivered to her face by the police officer.     Thursday, 19th August 2004 Reports from Gayyoom's detention centres; a makeover is in session Some sympathetic prison guards are reporting that some of the detainees are complaining of severe pains after being repeatedly being beaten. They also confirm that the only medication being given to most of the prisoners are very minimal medication like Panadol. Tuesday Dr. Mohamed Ahmed visited some of the detainees and prescribed medication, but they have not been delivered yet, the medication pending approval. According to these sources, Jennifer and three other women claim that they were fondled by some of the cops during their arrest. Some detainees have been defiant and refused to talk unless they are provided with lawyers. Senior detainees are still coming to their senses as they have lost their bearing after being held in solitary confinement. Dr. Munavvar is complaining about his hearing as he was repeatedly slapped during the arrest. Ibra is reportedly to be very vocal, but most junior guards have very little to do other than carry out orders. Our informers claim some detainees are still in handcuffs and many others kept in a plastic stool outside the cells for the last few days without sleep. Two very young boys who has refused to identify themselves were beaten severely and are complaining of extreme pain. They have refused to get any medication or see Dr. Mohamed Ahmed. Three others are on hunger strike, and our informers tells us that hunger strikes are very common when political prisoners are taken in the Maldives but rarely heard of. DO can also reveal that the prisons are being painted and cleaned up as they expect a foreign delegation coming soon for inspection. New mattresses and bed sheets are being prepared to be provided when a delegation comes and the toilets are upgraded. Workers have been busy on the job all day. THE STABBING WAS PLANNED BY YAMEEN Three different sources within Girifushi NSS training camp where some of the detainees are being kept are confirming that Paidey (the guy who stabbed the cop with a knife) was paid RF50,000 by Minister Yameen. Paidey who is also being beaten on the beach of Girifushi, on the 17th, admitted when questioned that Yameen had paid him the money to stab an NSS person (it was never planned who the victim was. Mazik was just unfortunate it had to be him). He further admitted that somehow Fareed was to be blamed for the stabbing.   up     Wednesday, 17th August 2004 New Cells being built in Dhoonidhoo Island Prison Gayyoom has ordered the building of 100's of new cells in Dhoonidhoo Prison Island to accommodate more prisoners there. This is a worrying development because he thinks that he can actually keep all these people behind bars forever. Legal experts are concerned about the loopholes in the constitution which gives him sweeping powers to run the country under emergency laws without a constitution for as long as he wants. Maldivians are paying too higher a price for being quite for over 2 decades. 'Indian government is likely to pressure Gayyoom but like Saddam he wants to end up in a hole with thousands of dollars' said an analyst from London. 'The world is not as ignorant as Maumoon thinks' he further added. DO is now consulting with International Committee of the Red Cross and other similar groups to see if they can assist in ensuring that the prisoners are treated well.   MLD President Mr. Ismail Saadiq meets with US State Department Mr. Saadiq yesterday attended a meeting with US State Department to discuss and obtain their support to stop the atrocities being committed by the despotic Gayyoom. Issues on obtaining the United States support on the current political climate was discussed at the meeting. Mr. Saadiq will travel today to Paris and is likely to stop in London on Friday.   Government Spies among the general public "Nagaa kiyaa meehun" (strongmen in the guise of prominent people) from all the wards of Male' were invited to Maafannu Avashu Office on the night of last Friday. A great meal was prepared for these people in the ward office. At this secret meeting, they were given the responsibility of working as spies for this regime. They were told that people are afraid to talk when cops are around and hence they were given the responsibility to spy whenever they see two people or groups discussing things. Each of them has been given a sort of an ID card which they can show to the cops whenever needed so that the police can identify these people. These spies among the society are protected by the NSS. If they get into any trouble they are told to show their ID card. There are also phone numbers in the card to whom they can call if they get into trouble. This is reminiscent of the Bimbi Force that was created for similar reasons by the regime cronies in the early 90's. New developments happening in Male' Day before yesterday (Sunday 15th August), Defence Ministry called up the houses near Yameen's house and advised them not to harbour or let anyone visit their houses, who are not registered in their house registry. BBC has done an interview with one of the former inmates of Maafushi Prison and they paid a visit to Human Rights Commission with the inmate and requested for answers to some questions, which the commission was not able to provide. Compiling a list of detainees Dear all, we are trying to compile a list of of detainees currently held in Maldives prisons by Gayyoom and his Ba'athist regime. We are all fully aware of the magnitude of the task considering how tight the government is in controlling information. But to help the people that are locked up we need to be able to make certain who exactly is being detained. Only confirmed arrests please. This can include people who have been arrested and later released, but please make this clear.   Please e-mail with details to admin@friendsofmaldives.co.uk A lot of people have been phoning concerned about their friends in Male’, so if we can get this list going it would be a great help.  Fareed confirmed to be beaten Sympathetic cops inform us that on the night after Sheik Fareed was arrested the NSS had a field day beating him. "I was there when Fareed gave his speeches to the public...I heard what he said too... And I Know nobody deserves to be treated like he was (Fareed). He is a very small man... the cops know that. They had been arranged in a circle and just went for it. At one point it appeared as if they were playing soccer with a human football (basement level - Shaheed Hussain Adam Building). I don't want to be part of this anymore... that is why I am giving the information", said the informant who didn't want to be named. Fareed was reportedly screaming "Allah Akbar" (God is great) repeatedly as he was getting beaten by the NSS thugs.   Qasim Ibrahim maybe critically injured and possible stroke reported The most generous and loved man in the Maldives is still in detention along with more than 180 others. This is the official figure. Some are estimating the figure to be as high as 1500 now. Concern for Qasim's health is leading to mounting anger amongst thousands of his staff; he suffers from acute allergy to dust and falls in when he has to inhale polluted and dusty air. Furthermore, Bronchoconstriction can also be triggered by emotional upsets. He underwent major surgery in Germany about a year ago. Gayyoom is very much aware of this but still continues to keep him in detention. Confirmed reports say that all detainess, including Qasim, Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, Munawwaru, Ilyas Hussain and Dr. Hussain Rasheed have all been beaten up by Gayyoom's loyal security people. 'Everyone has been beaten up, Gayyoom is teaching Maldivians a lesson never to retaliate against him' says an informant. Authorities are not willing to respond when called; please call Dr.Shaheed, Gayyoom's Spokesman on + 960 773999 or Fax him on + 960 325054 You may also call Adam Zahir, Commissioner of Police on + 960 772828 or + 960 771226 or Chief of Staff Mohamed Zahir on + 960 771225  BREAKING NEWS Sandhaanu Ahmed Didi in critical condition at Intensive Care Unit (IGMH). Gasim Ibrahim has had a heart attack (UNCONFIRMED) Unconfirmed reports coming from reliable sources (two different sources) say that Mr. Gasim Ibrahim has had a heart attack and Doctors are being taken to Dhoonidhoo Prison where he is reportedly detained. No further details at this time. We will update as soon as we get any news.   INJURED IN EDUCATION BOOK PRODUCTION UNIT IN VELAANAAGE IGMH says nobody is admitted there. NSS Insiders say that many injured are being held there. "This evening I saw Abdulla Riyaz (NSS) Ahmed Hafiz (DG, Defence) Abdul Latheef Gasim (IGMH) and Shakir (NSS, Welfare) and many more NSS person coming out from there.   Cameras and mobile phones confiscated     Many Maldivians had  had their their cameras and camera mobiles confiscated by the NSS. The government is trying very hard to cover up the beating of the innocent public on the 13th August Black Friday. DO has been unable to get pictures of the beatings for the last 3 days, but we are now slowly starting to receive pictures of that days events. We will bring as many pictures as we get them as we have know doubt these photo's would speak for itself.   up         Tuesday, 16th August 2004 IGMH ICU patient list keeps growing Sandhaanu Ahmed Didi who was one of the cyber dissidents that had been jailed, the protestors demanded freedom, is now confirmed to be in ICU. His condition at the moment is so serious he may not recover at all. If Ahmed Didi were to die Gayyoom and his brothers would have to be held accountable for his death. May got grant Ahmed Didi good health and to come out of this injustice stronger and more able than ever. Ziyad's (Ziatte of Saljamuge) condition reported to be getting worse. He has been in critical condition since Friday. MDP had a very successful press conference today in Sri Lanka. More details of the conference will be brought as we get them.  Announcement BBC World Service Radio from 11:00 GMT will broadcast an interview with DO Editor in Chief regarding the barbaric acts of Gayyoom - to listen on the web go to www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice   First it was 50, then 90, 150, 200.... More arrests continue today More arrests are still being conducted by the government today. We have just confirmed that Ali Shiyam (AAA), Zuhaira, Suzan Ibrahim Fulhu and Mohamed Mahir (Lhoheege) has been arrested. It appears Gayyoom is targeting all prominent businessmen in the country that doesn't agree with Gayyoom's Ba'athist philosophy of torture and oppression. At the rate Gayyoom is going it appears that he will clean out about 50% of major businessmen in Male', which would ultimately result in the collapse of the Maldives economy if action is not taken to stop Gayyoom and his brothers on their mad rampage.   Sheik Fareed arrested Sheik Fareed has been arrested a while back from his house, DO can confirm. It is reported that NSS blocked the whole road and there were more than 50 policemen at the scene. The public are extremely concerned about the fate of the detainees. Sheikh Fareed has reportedly been hiding from the police. Sheikh Fareed gave several speeches to the thousands of protestors on the 'Dark Friday'. Gayyoom must show restrains and resist his animal instincts. 'what can you expect from a mad dog? I think Fareed will be killed, we are very concerned' said the person who informed DO about this incident.    Eyewitness account of the arrest   He was arrested while he was in his wife's house. A lorry full of military police came to that road near Maaveyo Mosque. They went in to his wife's house and asked for him and his bro told that he's not there. Then a person outside the house told them that he was upstairs; so, they went up and arrested him there. While he was arrested he told them not to harm him, that he will go peacefully and he was saying that he fear no one but Allah. While they brought him out of the house they pushed him from the back while they were holding his neck from behind. There are still a lot of police in the area.   X-ray Athif released X-ray Athif has been recently released after investigations. HE is currently at work in ADK hospital. We have not been able to get anymore information as of yet.   Suicide bombers in Male' We have information from very reliable sources that there are about 2 suicide bombers currently in Male'. It is reported through his business associates connections with LTTE, Yameen has arranged for suicide bombers to be on stand by if things didn't go his way. These suicide bombers are reported to be currently employed in the Labour Ministry as common labourers.   Our informant reports that Yameen's plan was to be prepared for the PSM Majlis which was scheduled to be re-convened on Monday. He had been fearing pro-reform activist to take over the Majlis proceedings. Our source confirms that secret plans are being drafted between Yameen ad Hameed, to detonate a suicide bomb near the president Gayyoom and MDP was to be blamed and Yameen would take over as president. An interim government was to be formed and Hameed was to be the initial interim president. Yameen would become President after "proper" elections would be carried out.   It is unlikely this plan of Yameen can be carried out anymore after the events of Friday. We have also confirmed by our source within the cabinet that Yameen was filling the duties of "commander in chief" on Friday.   Jennifer Latheef being tortured We have just gotten word that Jennifer Latheef, currently in detention in NSS training island of Girifushi is being tortured. We have confirmed reports from many sympathetic police personnel confirming that the prisoners are hooded, cuffed with their hands behind their back and are being systematically beaten. ALL Airports are under tight security control by the NSS. All outgoing Maldivian passengers are closely scrutinised by cops who carry a list of names with them of people they want to capture. Last night, a celebratory dinner was held at Theemuge with all regime cronies watching TVM newly made anti reformist programme. Mohamed Ziyad, of Saljamuge is who has been in ICU since Friday after the NSS beat him up is believed to have been transferred to Singapore after his condition became too critical. IGMH has not been able to give a statement on this matter. up   Monday, 15th August 2004 Internet and SMS services back online SMS and internet in Maldives have been reconnected today at 12.30pm. The government in its announcement on the Maldives Radio apologises profusely for the service being disconnected and inconveniences incurred by the users of these services. The government also justified it as a necessary move to control "the illegal gathering" last Friday.   Cafe's and restaurants to be shut at 11pm The government announces that all cafe's, restaurants ad all other places that serves food is to be shut at 11pm every night until future notice. The announcement claimed that it was necessary for this action to be taken, to make it easier to maintain peace and stability in Maldives.   The announcement made no mention of any compensation for any loss of income incurred by the proprietors of these business.   Curfew still on The state of emergency that Gayyoom announced under the powers vested in him by the article 144 of the Maldives constitution is still in effect. The local radio is still announcing that being on the street after 11pm till 5.30am is illegal.   Eevan's mother was arrested again Eyewitnesses are reporting that the mother of Hassan Eevan Naseem has been also arrested in the recent wave of mass arrests relating to the public protest on last Friday. "Mrs. Mariyam Manike was being dragged out of her house by NSS by force as she was kicking and screaming protesting she had rights" said the eye witness who did not wish to be named. Dhivehi Observer fully condemns this action by the government to brutalise a grieving mother.   Mariyam Manike had been noted by the government as "unruly element" in society after she demanded justice for her murdered son on the 19th September 2004 at the hands of NSS thugs.   MDP secretariat Mohamed Latheef's family arrested We have received information from relievable sources that all family members of Mohamed Latheef, MDP secretariat, currently living in Male' was arrested some times yesterday. Latheef's family has been a constant target for harassment by the Gayyoom regime for the last year since the formation of the Maldivian democratic Party. Latheef and his wife at the time of arrest of his family members were staying in Sri Lanka.   Arbitrary arrests still continue of prominent people of Male' society More arrests continue in the tiny island capital of Maldives today. Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan, Human Rights Commission member and famous lawyer Husnu-Al Suood, Male MP Ahmed Athif (X-ray),  are now confirmed to be in the custody of the NSS.   Unconfirmed reports are saying democracy advocates and musicians Mohoj and Huchen are both arrested. We have not been able to verify this news as of yet. Conditions of those recently arrested are not known to us at this point in time.   Shops in Male' being shut by NSS Many shops in Male' owned and suspected to has contacts with reformists are being shut down in Male' Many Male' residents are getting fed up by the actions. They want to know under which clause of the constitution does the government get its authority to take away the livelihood of many people in Male'.   up         Saturday, 14th August 2004 Government still looking for reformists is their targeted 'hunting' TVM is reading out announcement looking for the whereabouts of the following people. 1. Shiek Fareed 2. Zuhaira 3. Suzan Ibrahim Fulhu 4. Mohamed Mahir (Lhoheege) At the end of the announcement this line was read out. "adhi dhannavameve... mi in meeheh filuvumugaa evvess gothakah eheetheri vejje nama ganoonee gothun fiyavalhu elhaane vaahaka dhannavameve" It roughly translates as, "We say again, if anybody assists in hiding them legal action will be taken against them as well".   Fire in Huravee Building was started deliberately by the government A prominent Maldivian businessman (name withheld for his safety) just called DO hotline and gave an eyewitness account of the fire that was started in Huravee Building yesterday. He explained how he had observed in the street in front of  Medhuziyaarai two Fire fighting trucks pulling up just near the Huravee Building about half an hour before the fire started. The firemen then proceeded to go in the building and do something. The informant was not able to verify exactly what these firemen had done. After about 20 minutes inside they came out and proceeded to prepare for an emergency. They had gotten all their equipment ready when the fire burst out at the building. While the fire fighters were busy putting out the fire, the NSS announced that due to public displays of violence that they have no choice but to declare a state of emergency and arrest people to bring the situation under control.  More News In Brief We have been able to confirm that Minister Yameen Have been supplying drugs to a mob today. The drugs have been reportedly worth at about Rf25,000. Our informants from the mob reported to us that each of the senior guys in the gangs received 5 heroin "bullets" each from Yameen agents. It is expected that more acts of arson or rampage might be orchestrated tonight and in the coming days to put further blame on organised groups calling for reform such as the Maldivian Democratic Party. The detainees from yesterday are being transferred secretly to Dhoonidhoo Detention center in near Male' in NSS coast guard vessels. They are confirmed to have be blindfolded when they where being transferred. It is very much reminiscent as how Gayyoom government treated the prisoner on the 1989 November 3rd attack. This just goes to show how much contempt the government is holding towards the Reformists. Our sources in NSS have been able to confirm that detainees have been kept standing up and blindfolded since yesterday. No word as to how their condition might develop has been received at the moment. Lower ranking NSS personnel are still getting orders from the NSS bosses to carry out searches and arrests. They have been given list of people to be arrested and searches are still being conducted. Our insiders are reporting that the government is going to brand Sheik Fareed as a fundamental Islamic activist with ties to terrorist groups in Pakistan and Al Qaeda. An emergency meeting is to be underway shortly with members from MDP office in London with members from Friends of Maldives. This meeting will be attended by their respective legal representatives to develop further action plan in response to Gayyoom brutality yesterday. Representatives from the new independent Dhivehi language radio channel "Minivan Radio" (soon to be on air) will also be attending this meeting as well. We will update on this as we get more news. We have confirmed news that there are many prisoners being taken to NSS training island of Girifushi in Male' Atoll. According to our source within the NSS, many of the people in Girifushi are common everyday people who had just participated in the protest to voice their concerns over how the government is treating the people. Our source confirms there are many women among the arrested and they are all kept in blindfolds still. 90 arrested, admits the government; The numbers are still growing A number of random arrests are still being conducted through out Male' today. The government spokesman Ahmed Shaheed in his interview to Reuters, he had confirmed yesterday the official numbers of arrests were at 90. After the many arrests that has been conducted since the interview we have not been able to verify the actual numbers at this point in time.   BBC reporters in Male' DO has received word from reliable sources that BBC reporters are currently in Male'. They will be reporting live any future developments in the Maldivian political crisis. They will be covering all aspects of the story, both the opposition and the governments view on all matters.