Updated: 09/12/2005 08:09:26

News & Reports June 2004 MAIN - SEPTEMBER 2004 - AUGUST 2004 -  JULY 2004 - JUNE 2004 - ARCHIVE MDP RERESENTATION  DOCUMENT MALDIVES: World’s Secret Dictatorship - The representation made by the delegation of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to various Parliament Members in UK and other international bodies played a crucial role in increasing the pressure mounted on the Government of Maldives to carry out democratic reform. read more  SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Seminar on Party Politics Venue : Social Centre, Male', Maldives Date : 29th June 2004 Time : 2030 - 2230 Those interested in politics and the changes for good in our country will find it most useful. So please be there and please bring along your friends too. A cry from Naifaru Island; who will help them? - Recently, one of my friends told me how to get into the Dhivehi Observer site. Now, everyday I am reading your site and I find it very interesting. The people who are doing that, is really doing a wonderful work. Please keep that good work for the sake of our children. Please listen to me. For the last 10 years I have been studying in Naifaru School. My father is a Keyolhu on one of the fishing boats of Naifaru. There are 7 children in my family and the eldest of all is me. So, my father always tries to support me with my education despite the fact that he gets very little money, after selling the fish to Felivaru. read more  BLAST FROM THE PAST Maldives Island revolt over satellite TV reception prompts amphibious assault by police and troops - In Maldives' most serious revolt since the uprising over power prices on Fua Mulaku in 1995-1996, Naifaru island in Lhaviyani atoll was the scene of civic unrest and violence in August 2001. The population was incensed by an attempt to stop reception and sharing of satellite television. At the time, this event went unreported in the Maldivian media, a sure sign of government embarrassment over the handling of the matter. Several weeks later the atoll chief was replaced and recalled to Malé. No public comment was made by the Minister of Atolls (and Speaker of the Parliament), Abdulla Hameed, the brother of President Gayyoom. read more Dhaffai issue 1 released - Dhaffai is a community newsletter from Lhaviani Atoll Naifaru. Dhivehi Observer would like to express support for the editors of this newsletter, and encourages other island communities to come out with similar kinds of newsletters, without inciting any form of violence, to voice their concerns so that we may see some change. Tell the rest of the country what its like in your community! More newsletters on different issues is available from our downloads section.  DO  EXCLUSIVE                                                                                Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim; intimidated by the government in the last  election - DO can reveal that Ilyas was detained just before the recent elections for more than 6 hours at a stretch by the Election Commissioner because of a misprint in the government controlled Aafathis Daily News Paper in which he published his election pledges. read more  Blast from the past                         Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim; a hero for freedom of speech and political reform in Maldives - Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim has been a keen writer about Maldivian politics since his student days. 'The necessity of free speech, rights of expression and a multi-party democracy in the republic of Maldives' was one noted article among many published in college magazines. He was popular among his colleagues for his courage to speak out, regardless of the political environment. read more    Maldives Culture Report Maldives questions tabled in Australian federal parliament - Questions about Maldives relationship with Australia were tabled today in the Australian Federal Parliament in Canberra, after representations raising concerns about human rights and political freedom in Maldives to two opposition Labour party members of the House of Representatives, shadow finance minister Bob McMullan and shadow foreign minister Kevin Rudd. read more "Our people need food..." - Can Mr. Maumoon be trusted? The above quote is from the concluding remarks of Maumoon’s address to twelfth SAARC Summit held in Nepal, January 2004. Let’s have look at the government spending of Maldives between 1998 and 2001. read more  cniaesuH urihWz  " !cSwrWb Wncbul !Wncbul cSwrWb " Youth Minister Zahir used his ministry’s resources for daughter’s Speical Majlis campaign - The Minister of Youth and Sports, Zahir Hussein, used his Ministry’s resources for the campaign to get his daughter, Lubna Zahir Hussein, elected to one of the  Shaviyani Atoll seats for the Special Majlis, DO can reveal. read more  DO Open Letter to Mr. Gayyoom - Key actions that Mr. Gayyoom is required to take, at the behest of the People, immediately and unconditionally, in consistency with the pledges you made in your speech on the 9th of June 2004. read more All Party Parliamentary Group on the Maldives and the meeting of Mr Hussain Shihab - It was interesting to see that Mr Shihab told the assembled member of the Parliamentary Group on the Maldives that Associations are prohibited under the existing constitution of the Maldives. Mr. Hardingham is currently doing research in to the allegations of human rights abuses and investigating the impact of Tourism on the Maldives. He is due to submit his findings in a special conference to be organised in London. We believe he is now in Addu Atoll after visiting Male' on his researches. read more                   www.maldivesroyalfamily.com   Maldives National Anthem - Until the late 1940s the state anthem of the Maldives was a melody with no lyrics. It was called the Salaamathi and was performed by the royal band on state occasions at the Etherekoilu, the official residence of the King of Twelve Thousand Isles and Sultan of the Maldives in Malé. On most occasions the Salaamathi would be preceded by a seven-gun salute fired from the Aa-Kotte Buruzu bastion within the Etherekoilu. read more The Abuse of foreign aid in the Maldives - Maldives has the unique feature of a town straddling two sides – The islands, yet lacks portable drinking water for the simple reason that there has been no effort in 25 years to provide them the basic utility services.  Few residents of Male' earn more than a Swiss national, while the islanders dig shallow wells to get drinking water. read more Fisherman's Independent Party (FIP) announces association - A Maldivian political party named Fisherman's Independent Party (FIP) has announced its formation today in a press release which was sent to Dhivehi Observer. Read Dhivehi language press release here MDP newsletter 14 Corruption, a growing cancer in the Maldives - The government’s spending on education as a ratio to GDP is negatively and significantly correlated with corruption (the more corruption, the less spent on education). The figures show that that our decline in living standard is solely due to the high level of corruption in this government. If we take the inflation into account average Maldivian is earning less than what he or she earned 10 years ago. So are we better off  with this regime in place? read more Maldives Need to Change — the Sooner the Better - Let us not be fooled by the soothing words from our leader. Lets not paid PR companies decide our fate. We have to be aware that whoever is in charge of the Maldives, whether Gayyoom or Yameen, the regime will always be blinded by its desire to keep their power to serve its paramount political, personal gains and maintain their family’s grip over the people and the country. read more  PRESS RELEASE Friends of Maldives New Website Launched - FOM is an organisation devoted to improving awareness around the world of the Maldives and the Maldivian People. FOM aims to promote cultural links with the Maldives. FOM aims to improve freedom of speech and of association, protect human rights and encourage political pluralism in the Maldives. FOM aims to encourage a responsible, ethical and all inclusive approach to tourism in the Maldives. read more  Reform Speech analysed by a Member of Parliament A Legacy Lost in Excellence - Best Public Relations Event ... and the Gold goes to Gayyoom of the Maldives - Mr. Gayyoom, I thank you personally for taking the first step towards the long-awaited goals of Democratisation and Justice by publicly declaring the reformist movement (albeit the authenticity of it lies with someone else). We assure you that the next step that we require you to take towards that goal would not be any difficult than the first. Please, Mr. Gayyoom, we have given you 26 years to prove your worth. One thing we would not forget to tell our grandchildren about you from our common History is that the Title “His Excellency” you have been attached to for the duration of your term in office is a grave affront to your characteristics. This would be the most opportune time to end the false salutation. read more Hill & Knowlton; Something every Maldivian should Know - "On October 10, 1990, as the Bush administration stepped up war preparations against Iraq, Hill &Knowlton (H&K), on behalf of the Kuwaiti government, presented 15-year-old "Nayirah" before the House Human Rights Caucus. Passed off as an ordinary Kuwaiti with firsthand knowledge of atrocities committed by the Iraqi army, she testified tearfully before Congress: Supposedly fearing reprisals against her family, Nayirah did not reveal her last name to the press or Congress. Nor did this apparently disinterested witness mention that she was the daughter of Sheikh Saud Nasir al-Sabah, Kuwait's ambassador to the U.S. As Americans were being prepared for war, her story- which turned out to be impossible to corroborate -became the centrepiece of a finely tuned public relations campaign orchestrated by H&K and coordinated with the White House on behalf of the government of Kuwait and its front group, Citizens for a Free Kuwait (CFK). read more  Maldivians back opposition parties - Thousands of educated and young Maldivians have rallied with the opposition; to an extent Gayyoom has hired a small PR firm in UK to defend his International image. However, the opposition claims this is another way of squandering the resources of the country as the company H& K is owned by his Bengali son in law. read more Mr. Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) meets with English Pen -  "Several times during the past 15 years I have been in and out from the Prisons of the Maldives. I have been tortured and ill-treated, degraded and reduced to nothing. I have been spat at, called names abused and brutalised. I have had long periods of solitary confinements of total emptiness. Through out all these one friend that has always stood with me has been the English PEN, Writers in Prison Committee. I am sure I will not be able to thank them enough." read more   DO  EXCLUSIVE MALDIVES CULTURE FOUNDERS THREATENED BY GAYYOOM - " we act for the President of Maldives, its government and her servants" says Gayyoom's lawyer in Singapore in a threatening letter to Maldives Culture founders, Michael and Fareesha demanding the immediate shut down of their site. read more Gayyoom should resign immediately - Ahmed Moosa (Sappe'), Member of the General Council of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Editor in chief of Dhivehi Observer calls on Gayyoom to resign immediately and let the people of Maldives to decide what comes next. 10/06/2004 on BBC World Asia Today If you cannot view please download real player Reforms, too little too late by Ismail Saadiq - According to the definition in MLD political manifesto, democracy is defined as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Adult suffrage plays an important role in democracy. In the name of forming a democratic government, different political parties throw their hats into the election ring. Every party issues its own election manifesto to influence the people in order to carry the laurels in the ensuing election battle. Besides, different parties entice the voters through election propaganda. Where educated people are in the majority and political consciousness is adequate, it is not very difficult for people to weigh the pros and cons of the manifesto of a particular party and to ascertain what is in the best interests of the people. But as the case in Maldives, where there is a dearth of education and political consciousness, and where people fail to understand the reality of the manifesto and are misled by wrong propaganda, by the incumbent government, they cast their ballots in favor of an individual whose ideals go contrary to the social interest and this is what is going to happen in the Maldives. Consequently, parties that go against the interests of the people are installed in power. read more MDP Press Statement - 10th June 2004 - For the people of Maldives and the international community to take his offer of constitutional reform seriously, Gayoom, his Attorney General, his judges and his National Security Service need to stop their open – often casual – abuse of the existing constitution. We submit that a new constitution, however perfect, would be of little use to the people of Maldives if Gayoom and the coercive force backing him are not prepared to honour such a constitution. The MDP would enthusiastically back any serious attempt at introducing a liberal, democratic political culture in the Maldives. read more Statement on the Maldives by Richard Corbett (Member of the European Parliament) - I call for the safe return of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members to the Maldives in order for them to contest the parliamentary elections in September 2004. It is important that the people of Maldives are allowed to exercise their democratic rights and elect the representatives they wish in free and fair elections. read more To all Diplomats - 'We seriously doubt if there will be any amendments that may dilute Gayyoom’s hegemony. As such, it is tough to get excited about the hype surrounding constitutional reform. This is Gayyoom's ruse to buy time and placate the international community who now seem to be taking our cry for reform more seriously. Gayyoom will make cosmetic changes, and try harder to hide the strings he attaches to any 'reform' he initiates' read more  Maldivian League For Democracy - Press Release 9th June 2004 MLD President Mr. Saadiq calls on Gayyoom to resign immediately - MLD leadership has called its members in and out of Maldives to reject Gayyoom's sudden initiative for reform. It reminded its members that after 26 years of brutality and torturing thousands of its people, it is just too little too late for reform. These ideas were created just a week ago when every Maldivian had access to the their Development Program. These so called new ideas of Gayyoom are only to create more instability in the country, thus revoking all his ideas for reform at a day of his convenience. read more The truth about Hills and Knowlton; Gayyoom is not willing to reform - Gayyoom has failed to convince the international community and the people of the Maldives that his administration is legitimate and fair in handling accusations of human rights violations and crimes against humanity, so it has now resorted to hiring a multinational PR firm that specializes in representing totalitarian governments and corporate polluters. Hiring Hill and Knowlton speaks volumes about the real intentions of Gayyoom and the lengths to which he will go to dupe the Maldives people and the international community. read more Setting the record straight - more Gayyoom means no reform - Most rational people would agree that a quarter century is time enough to bring reform to a homogenous society like Maldives with only 300,000 people. An omnipotent autocrat like Gayyoom has enough power to implement reform if he wishes. read more Gayyoom's constitutional reform address; can the man be trusted? - Commander in Chief, General Gayyoom will tonight address the nation and the world through web cast about his constitutional reform ideas sharing meeting which is to be held tonight at Male' time 20:50 [16:50 GMT]. Reliable sources in the Maldives confirm that Gayyoom will announce the following key points to reform the current constitution: 1. Separation of the powers, The Legislature, The Executive and The Judiciary 2. Allowing freedom of association and the formation of political parties 3. Propose 2 4 year Presidential terms The pundits say that this is a public relations stunt suggested by the Gayyoom's private PR firm, Hills and Knowlton of UK. It is expected that he will get these reforms rejected by the Special Majlis (Upper House of Parliament) and then can blame them for not wanting reform, which will end up in a statement such as people are not ready for reform despite my suggestions. Some one who in 17 years amended the last constitution to give him enormous executive powers cannot be entrusted with the ominous task of deciding the future of the Maldives, that of this generation and those to come. What is most astonishing is he is relentlessly trying to shut down the works of reformists. And, this is why we cannot hold him to his word. read more  DO  EXCLUSIVE Gayyoom lies to the world : Sheikh Fareed is framed - "I can declare that I have not committed any of the crimes alleged against me and with a clear and conscious mind, I can guarantee that my speeches were 100% in compliance with the principles and teachings of Islam. I have never incited violence in any of my speeches and almost all the contexts was based on Islamic faith and the principles of creating a harmonious, happy and a just society.I strongly insist on my innocence and condemn these infringements on my human rights which are guaranteed by the constitution of Maldives. I have a wife and two young children, aged 4 and 2. My arrest and detention and the continued restriction of my life has meant that I am unable to earn a living as people are not only intimidated to employ me; there is no guarantee on what would happen tomorrow." Sheikh Fareed reveals the truth  Blast from the past All ears to him — Fareed's popularity rises as religious preacher and leader of Friday prayer  - This article was published in Huvaas Magazine on 26th December 2001 - Translation by Maldives Culture 'I try to deliver to the public the message of the Friday prayer sermon in the spirit that it requires, and provide an uplifting feeling to the hearts of the people. A sermon should not be read out as a lesson, or told like a story,' said Fareed. Fareed now receives invitations from all over Maldives and he has visited many islands to deliver religious sermons. Fareed is satisfied with the work he has carried out in making the general public aware of religion. read more  On 19th September 2003, Gayyoom's security forces beat to death Mr. Evan Naseem. His ribs were caved in from the torture which penetrated his lungs causing his death. Above, Ameen was shot to death along with two other on 20th September 2003 because they demanded justice for the brutal murder of Evan Naseem.  Gayyoom is at it AGAIN! Gayyoom's killing spree set to rise - DO is receiving news from Male' that there are two persons undergoing heavy torture in Male' at the moment. Mr. Ahmed Falah is being interrogated for taking a video of a recent victim who died under suspicious circumstances. Mr. Falah has been detained in Male' police headquarters and heavily tortured to obtain copy of the video tape and also his phone, which he is refusing to surrender. He is being tortured in the famous Fengolhi "Water Box" and is reported to be quite weak. His family has not been allowed to visit or is not given any information about his condition. Read more Gayyoom's “Simply Not True” Rebuttal of Amnesty International 2004 Report - Give the man his dues; Gayyoom is making progress. In the past Gayyoom quite simply ignored comments on his gross violation of human rights or took the moral high ground on his “sovereign rights” over Maldives. This time however, he has deemed it necessary to get his recently appointed spin-doctors to churn out a written rebuttal. That, in Gayyoom's terms, is significant progress. The two million dollars given to Bangladeshi son-in-law seems to be producing some results. read more   EXCLUSIVE  Mr. Nazim's Police Report : Gayyoom's Justice - I am a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) which was launched on 10 November 2003 by way of the MDP’s website on the internet. I do not know how this Party was proclaimed or by whom. I found out about the Party’s inauguration from an email I received. This email did not have any information about its sender. I have since deleted the email having read its contents. MDP has not been registered in the Maldives and pursuing its activities has not been allowed in the country. I am the leading figure of MDP in Malè. I was assigned this task from an email I received similar to the one mentioned above. I have since deleted this email as well. read more A plea from Maldives ; Why can’t we demand justice for our people - Justice must be the principle virtue of humanity. In a society deprived of justice, people cannot live with each other and enjoy their life or experience any meaningful happiness. Justice is the key to joy and happiness. read more Mr. Nazim Sattar charged with treason - Charge: Treason: (Ahmed Nazim Abdul Sattar having photocopied written material called “Appeal” and “Newsletter” named after “the Maldivian Democratic Party” and having given these photocopied material to Ismail Zilah of H.Graphite and Ahmed Falah of M.Kudaveyomatheege for distribution among various people; and Ismail Zilah and Ahmed Falah having distributed these material; and since the material distributed with the participation of these three people contained untrue expressions that may cause civil strife between the Government elected by the People in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives and the People and may endanger public safety; Ahmed Nazim Abdul Sattar, Ismail Zilah and Ahmed Falah is charged for Disobeying Orders under the Penal Code 88(a) with reference to Law 68/4 (republic) (Some General Laws) article 8 number 2. read more Naguluroalhi March 2004 issue - Naguluroalhi is a community newsletter from Noonu Atoll Velidhoo. Dhivehi Observer would like to express support for the editors of this newsletter, and encourages other island communities to come out with similar kinds of newsletters, without inciting any form of violence, to voice their concerns so that we may see some change. Tell the rest of the country what its like in your community! The passion of Maldivians - If I were to suggest that you should change our government to an Absolute Monarchy, and then you call to the citizens as “My Slaves”, you would definitely consider this is as the best opinion or suggestion. Quite contrary to that, you have to swallow a bitter pill for your ailment. read more   DO CALLS SAARC ELECTION OBSERVER MR. NIAZ NAIK  DO Blows the whistle on Gayyoom's referendum swindles - Upon being informed by high-profile sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Editor-in-Chief of DO, Mr. Shafeeq (Sappe') contacted a prominent political Observer in the South Asian region. The conversation between Mr. Shafeeq and the Former Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Naik took place on the 31st of May 2003. Appalled, Mr. Naik listened in silence as DO explicated the Prisoner-crisis of September 2003, arbitrary arrests of Prisoners of conscience, severe restrictions on Freedom of Speech and finally, the State-Sponsored equivocation on Human Rights abuses. read more MDP Newsletter 13 Released   up

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