:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Maldivians in defiant mood

Mariyam Mohamed, Male’, 10^th August 2004

People gathered in numbers - over a thousand people were there tonight

Small groups discussed reform activities and contemplated on future moves; they are defiant and were extremely frustrated with the Dictator

Despite the announcement and subsequent warnings of arrest, people of Male’ kept going to the Tetrapod Monument area on the Eastern corner of Male’. Police presence was heavy in the area and the whole corner was cordoned off.

The small mobile shops were also ordered to move from the area without any compensation for loss of earnings. Owners of these mobile shops are very concerned as this illicit activity of the police is costing them their daily income on which their families depend. They are licensed to operate in the area but police has revoked those licenses, which is all too common in the Maldives.

Many of the common public who participate in the reform debates and gathering were seen around the area. Although their presence was more an act of defiance to show that they are not scared of the police anymore nor of their boss, the Dictator. People are extremely frustrated with the Dictator for ruling the country like a police state and acting as if he owns the country.

Sheikh Fareedh was also seen walking around the area with a large number of his friends, who are openly calling for pluralistic democracy and a more open and transparent government, to a more just society. Sheikh Fareedh is currently on trial for allegedly inciting violence and attempting to carry out terrorist activities including blowing up government buildings and kidnapping of government officials, none of which he is aware. The real reason why he was locked up for nearly two years without charge was because he was teaching people what is right and criticising the government for its corruption. He is expected to be sentenced tomorrow.

Police were ready to assault but people showed no signs of relenting to their demands. It was well past midnight when the crowd started dispersing. People say “this is another night of victory for us”.