Dhivehi Observer :: The People's Press ::

Colombo, Sunday 19^th September, 2004

Despite international condemnation Gayoom's arrests continue

Just days after the European Union gave its most vocal warning to the Gayoom regime to release political prisoners and kick-start reform or face immediate sanctions, pro-reformist members of the public are still being arrested in the Maldives.

Ahmed Nashid, a respected businessman and a known critic of the government was arrested today (Sunday 19th September) by the President's National Security Service (NSS). This latest arrest comes after the arrest of another prominent reformist, Ismail Asif, who was detained on Friday; the day after the European Parliament’s sanctions resolution.

Mr. Asif infuriated the regime back in July when he called Gayoom on his proposals for freedom of speech and association by holding a "Dictator Birthday Party", attended by over 700 prominent reformists.

The recent arrests coincide with yet another snub aimed at the European Union. Speaking in Saudi Arabia today, Gayoom called for "efforts to defeat the dubious plans of Zionists and colonialists to weaken the Islamic nation [of the Maldives] and control its wealth." (See: http://www.arabnews.com) Gayoom's regime also continues to portray pro-democracy activists and MDP members as "agents of Christian missionaries".

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) condemns the continuing persecution of pro-democracy supporters in the Maldives and demands the immediate release of all political prisoners and the lifting of the State of Emergency.

Furthermore, the MDP condemns Gayoom's smear campaign against democracy supporters in the Maldives and fellow democrats in the European Union. The concern of good people in Europe is a welcome signal to Maldivians that they are not being ignored by the outside world whilst their tyrannical dictator persecutes them for their thoughts.

Gayoom should learn that more arrests and more lies is neither the way to gain international credibility nor the support of the Maldivian people.

ENDS

Media Contacts

Mohamed Latheef (Spokesperson)
Telephone:+94777281918

Mohamed Nasheed

Telephone: +94777288067

Email: secretariat@maldiviandemocraticparty.org