Dhivehi Observer :: The People's Press ::

25/09/04, Colombo

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom continues with his unrelenting harassment of pro-democracy activists.

In the past few days Gayoom has targeted mostly family members of MDP activists and members of the Special Majlis and their families.

The Maldivian Democratic Party fears that Gayoom is about to embark on another round of violent repression and torture in the name of national security. Earlier Gayoom’s Ministry of Home Affairs admitted to handcuffing and blindfolding prisoners but justifies this blatant violation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on grounds of “national security.” Earlier

Gayoom quite simply lied in a BBC interview when he categorically denied any such acts took place.

The detainees were handcuffed and blindfolded for days on end. They were physically abused, threatened with death and were systematically subject to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Additionally, the women detainees were sexually abused and threatened with dismemberment. ‘ Gayoom’s lies notwithstanding, organizations such as the ICRC are not given access to prisons.

In the meantime, philanthropist and reformist candidate for Speaker of the Special Majlis, Gasim Ibrahim, is in the intensive care unit of the main hospital in Male. Reports indicate that the interrogators are using fear and intimidation to extract self-incriminating “confessions” out of Gasim. Despite the international pressure, Gayoom continues to use violence, intimidation and denial of fundamental human rights on those opposed to his cruel and repressive rule to maintain his stranglehold on power.

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Media Contact:

Mohamed Latheef (Spokesperson) Tel: +94777281918

Mohamed Nasheed Tel: +94777288067

Email: secretariat@maldiviandemocraticparty.org