Dhivehi Observer :: The People's Press ::

25/09/04, (1) Colombo

Mounting concern over deteriorating health of Hon. Qasim Ibrahim and other detainees

The Maldivian Democratic Party is extremely concerned about reports of the party’s co-founder and People’s Special Majlis (Constituent Assembly) member Hon..Qasim Ibrahim undergoing urgent medical treatment at the IGM Hospital in Male’. In addition of reports of Hon.Qasim suffering from a poor heart-condition, family sources in Male’ confirmed that he was brought to Male’ from the government’s temporarily designated detention Island of Feydhoo Finolhu around 1300Hrs 24th September, suffering from breathing difficulties. Family members were refused access to him. The news of Hon.Qasim’s arrival at IGMH last night (24th) brought in a crowd of over 1000 well-wishers who thronged the hospital and surrounding streets.

The Maldives government has been notified by Hon.Qasim’s family that he suffers from acute allergy to dust and falls ill 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. President Gayyoom is very much aware of the medical necessities of many detainees but continues to callously ignore their conditions, complaints and requests. Whether this is a conscious policy on the part of the regime to weaken the resolve of the detainees is not readily known.

The Maldivian Democratic Party calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Qasim Ibrahim and other prisoners of conscience incarcerated by the government. The MDP also deplores the appalling conditions of pre-meditated negligence of those suffering from ailments for which urgent and/or regular medical attention is required. The official Statement issued on The 20th September by the Maldives Human Rights Commission substantiates these facts. “Unusually harsh force and treatment were meted out to a member of the People’s Special Majlis and others whilst being arrested.” It goes on to report: “those who suffered painful treatment were stating that they were beaten and that agonising treatments were inflicted upon them.” Furthermore: “[detainees were] addressed and scolded using abusive language…some men and women state that painful treatment were inflicted on their sexual organs.” Prison guards of the NSS continue to harass and inflict inhuman treatment on those detained following the pro-reform protests of 12 and 13th August 2004.

The Human Rights Commission, which was established by Presidential Decree, said that it: “views these matters as inhuman”. The Commission stated that they had reported their concern to the authorities and have recommended an independent investigation to be made over the manners of arresting and incarceration. It also called for the State of Emergency to be lifted as soon as possible, thereby restoring the prisoner’s access to lawyers, and more importantly, medical treatment.

The MD wishes to reiterate its concurrence with the belief that “Any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted by or at the instigation of a public official on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or confession, punishing him for an act he has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating him or other persons.” - Customary International Law of Human Rights under which a State violates international law if, as a matter of state policy, it practices, encourages, or condones torture or prolonged arbitrary detention.

The Maldivian Democratic Party calls on the Maldives government and President Gayoom to allow immediate access to Hon. Qasim to his family members and accord him proper health care. Hon Qasim is a generous philanthropist whose corporate structure is accepted by a majority of grateful Maldivians as far more efficient and practical in scope and magnitude; in matters of charity, medical care, social welfare and scholarships.
This is what President Gayyoom himself is on the record as saying about Hon.Qasim: “Mr. Qasim Ibrahim is indeed a self-made man, displaying the virtues of hard work, versatility and vision. He has been involved in trading and shipping for over two decades. Today he is a major Maldivian ship owner and operator. In recent years he has also become a key player in the tourism industry. He now owns or operates a number of resort hotels in the Maldives with a combined bed capacity of over 1,700…. He is also the winner of three national awards for his outstanding contributions to trade and tourism development. His achievements show that opportunity awaits those with vision, energy and drive. Starting from almost scratch, he has set a fine example for others to emulate”.
Hon Qasim is presently the biggest employer in Maldives with over 10,000 staff benefiting tens of thousands in terms of their extended families. His designations include Member of Peoples Special Majlis (Constituent Assembly, popularly nominated as pro-democracy candidate for Speaker ). Hon Qasim would bring to bear much experience to that post he had gained from chairing other prestigious bodies in the region as well as Maldives. His portfolio of offices include past President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, President Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), Founder Member, Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and, Industry (MNCCI), Founder Member, Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Vice President and Board Member, Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Board Member, Maldives Ports Authority (Government Appointment), Former Board Member, Bank of Maldives. Villa Hotels Website

The Maldivian Democratic Party call’s on President Gayyoom to immediately repeal the state of emergency in Maldives and restrain himself from escalating the current crisis by continuing the status quo. The Maldivian Democratic Party also calls on the Maldives government and all parties concerned to do everything possible to ensure the medical well-being and the immediate release of Mr.Qasim Ibrahim and all others detained for their advocacy and activities to usher in political pluralism; and the rights of assembly and expression.

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Media Contact:

Mohamed Latheef (Spokesperson) Tel: +94777281918

Mohamed Nasheed Tel: +94777288067

Email: secretariat@maldiviandemocraticparty.org