Updated: 07/05/2008 03:08:14

News & Reports September 2004 MAIN - SEPTEMBER 2004 - AUGUST 2004 -  JULY 2004 - JUNE 2004 - ARCHIVE Thursday 30th September 2004 How many Maldivians live like this? Abbas lives with his 2 wives and 6 children in 7 by 10 ft room When we went to Henvairu ward Filikuri House and entered the room where Abaas Hassan lives, the place could only be described as a refugee camp. Plywood beds were stacked up. There were four beds in the room. Those are for his 6 children and 2 wives. The room does not even have a door. When they want to sleep they just draw the curtain. The even cook and eat in this space. As you enter the room, the kitchen is in one corner. In this 2ft by 2ft kitchen there was a cooker and some utensils. The room did not even have any specific space for clothes and toiletries. The floor also was bare sand, there wasn't any flooring. When they want to pray, they just throw a mat on the sand floor. The room is not adequate for a family to live in terms of hygiene wise as well as from a social angle. However, in this 7 ft by 10ft room, Abbas and his 6 children and 2 wives some how managed to live. read more           'Ibra' on Black Friday. He was there to bring order to the crowd not to promote violence, violence, violence Concern over the health of Hon. Ibrahim Ismail MP   Hon. Ibrahim Ismail, Member of the Special Majlis for Male' is reportedly suffering from neurological and psychological complication. Ibra, as friends call him, is disabled and requires at least one hour of exercise to improve blood circulation in his body. He did tell the authorities about this situation but he has not been allowed to exercise regularly. In fact, so far he has only been given permission only once in over 40 days. He has fainted many times because of lack of exercise. read more  Hon. Ibrahim Ismail, a serious challenger to Mr. Gayyoom Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Councillor and Member of the Special Majlis, Hon. Ibrahim Ismail, reportedly met his wife in Dhoonidhoo interrogation centre on 28th September 2004, the 47th day of his incarceration in solitary confinement. Hon. Ismail is physically disabled (poliomyelitis) and doctors fear that he might not be able to use his already handicapped physique.  Hon. Ibrahim Ismail was taken in after the brutal break-up of the pro-democracy rally in Male on 12th and 13th of August 2004. Human Rights groups including the Maldive Governments own Human Rights Commission and international bodies as Amnesty International have detailed the inhuman methods and ways of the regime in the Maldives not only after the crack down and the subsequent mass arrests on 13th August 2004, but through out Mr. Gayyoom's reign in power. read more     Wednesday, 29th September 2004 Time to save the Dhivehi people Dictators love darkness. They want to hide prisoners and do things under the cover of darkness.  What President Gayyoom is showing us with all the machine guns and the NSS is that he is ready to shoot his own people and destroy his own country.   What kind of human being is he? He doesn't have a heart.  He is ready to kill Dhivehi people to keep his fancy way of life.  read more   Tuesday, 28th September 2004 Hon. Qasim Ibrahim Qasim's is still in the Hospital Male' - Hon. Qasim Ibrahim who was brought to Hospital in Male' on 24th September suffering from breathing difficulties is reported to be recovering well now. The medical staff and his doctors are refusing to discharge him until he is fully recovered. In the meantime, there is concern over his health in the long term and his family has requested the authorities to allow him to be taken abroad for treatment. The authorities have rejected this idea and is stating that this was just a temporary problem.           MDP Councillor Mr. Ibrahim Hussain Zaki is nominated for European Parliament Sakharov Prize Hon Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, is a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party Governing Council. Mr. Zaki was a former Minister of the Gayoom's Cabinet and was sidelined after his support for pluralistic democracy and strengthening civil society. Formerly Mr. Zaki was also the Secretary General of SAARC. read more     Monday, 27th September 2004  World Tourism Day JOINT MESSAGE FROM THE WTO SECRETARY GENERAL AND THE IOC PRESIDENT FOR WORLD TOURISM DAY 2004 Both are powerful forces for development, stimulating investment in infrastructure projects such as airports, roads, stadiums, sporting complexes, hotels and restaurants?projects that can be enjoyed by the local population, as well as visitors who come to use them. And once the infrastructure is in place, these two mutually beneficial industries of tourism and sport become the motor for sustainable economic growth, the creation of employment and generation of revenues. But at the same time, they are activities that bring people together and help forge strong personal relationships. In this way they are making the world a smaller place?contributing to greater understanding among cultures, greater tolerance and, ultimately, to world peace. read more     Change Proxy Settings to browse blocked sites   The Maldivian government blocks everything that is critical of them including website. For DO readers in Maldives, we would like to explain how to change the proxy and be able to browse all banned sites.     Sunday, 26th September 2004  DO  Special Report Maldivians love Qasim but they are scared; Is an armed struggle the solution? Mr. Qasim Ibrahim has been in solitary confinement since August 13th, 2004. He participated in a pro-reform demonstration with thousands of Maldivians. Mr. Qasim is a people's person and a Member of the Parliament. He is now admitted to the hospital suffering from breathing difficulties and depression. Mr. Qasim suffers from acute Bronchoconstriction, which can be triggered by emotional upsets, dust and lack of clean air. He underwent major surgery in Germany about a year ago. Gayyoom is fully aware of this as Gayyoom personally called Qasim when he returned from Germany after surgery. read more An Appeal to President Gayyoom to Release Qasim  & others   Utter Rubbish and Hysterical reaction on the reaction to the report by Maldives Human Rights Commission Since the publication of the report by Human Rights Commission of the Maldives on detainees held by the government in connection with the gathering held in Male on 13 August2004, the commission has received more criticism than perhaps the current government has ever received during its 25 year rule. The constant barrage of criticism the commission has witnessed since the publication of its report on detainees shows the danger and risk associates with the cause of democracy, rule of law in places and countries where it is rarely heard or is grossly misunderstood. read more       Saturday, 25th September 2004 Gayyoom must be held accountable for Qasim's poor health Respected businessman, philanthropist and founding Maldivian Democratic Party member Qasim Ibrahim is seriously ill in hospital today with reported breathing difficulties and an irregular heart beat. His condition is said to be serious. Qasim was taken to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male' yesterday evening from his isolation cell in Feydhoo Finolhu detention centre. He has been held there -without charge-  following the 12/13th August pro-democracy demonstration. read more       Maldivian Democratic Party  PRESS RELEASE 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. read more    Maldivian Democratic Party  PRESS RELEASE The Maldivian Democratic Party fears that Gayyoom is about to embark on another round of violent repression and torture in the name of national security. Earlier Gayyoom'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 read more     Friday, 24th September 2004 Fathuhulla Jameel Foreign Minister Mr. F. Jameel spat on detainees and even beat them During the last few days there has been much criticism of the Maldives Foreign Ministry both in pro-government sites and dissident sites. I feel that much of this is unfair, as there really is not a lot that either Fathuhulla Jameel or any one else for that matter can do to positively advocate for the government of Maldives when most its actions are devious and against all international norms of behaviour. read more           Thursday, 23rd September 2004 Police illegally enter ADK Nashid's Fisheries Complex Maldives police on Tuesday night illegally entered ADK Nashid's fisheries complex in Maandhoo, Laamu Atoll. ADK Nashid, the owner of the complex, was recently taken into police custody but has now been released without charges. When staff at his fisheries complex refused police keys to drawers inside the office, the officers reportedly broke the locks. read more   International pressure helps Gayyoom release some detainees Gayyoom today released 4 detainees arrested last month for taking part in a peaceful protest against his government. They include Akku, the son of a member of the Maldives human rights commission, and Mohoj from Zero Degree Atoll, the most prestigious music band in the country. read more   Ismail Shafeeu lies to the Maldivian people Home Minister Ismail Shafeeu yesterday joined the Gayyoom bandwagon of lying ministers. A press statement from his ministry claimed that detainees were provided with life-vests as they were transported across the sea to their respective prisons. This is an outright lie. read more    Maldivian Democratic Party Flouting international law, the Maldivian Government justifies torture The Maldivian Home Ministry admitted for the first time on Tuesday (21st Sept) that the National Security Services (NSS) in the Maldives used "handcuffing" and "blindfolding" during arrests made after the 12/13th August pro-democracy protest. The Home Ministry, speaking on state-run TV in the Maldives, also admitted that some detainees have suffered "minor injuries". The report of the Maldives Human Rights Commission has been substantiated by Amnesty International. In an appeal dated the 20th September, Amnesty stated that: "One detainee was reportedly thrown down the stairs while being arrested at his home. Another detainee was reportedly chased by police to a harbour where he was beaten so severely that he fell into the sea. A witness reports that while the detainee was in the water, the police continued to throw projectiles at him. When they eventually brought him out of the water, police continued to beat him as they took him away." read more   Vote of NO CONFIDENCE for the President! Under no circumstance the President can establish that the events of the 12th and 13th August was a civil unrest which threatened the security of the country. The barbaric reaction of the President has also been described by the European Union as "a disproportionate reaction to a largely peaceful demonstration". Despite the requests and pressure from the public and the international community, the President's declaration of the state of Emergency and his reluctance to repeal it for more than a month, clearly determines his malicious intentions. read more        Wednesday, 22nd September 2004 The real impact of EU sanctions on the Maldives There have been a number of statements made by the Maldivian government and a number of concerns expressed by Maldivian citizens after the sanctions resolution in the European Parliament last week (16th Sept.). One the one hand, Gayyoom is attempting to play down the significance of the European Parliament's resolution (we won't even bother commenting on Gayyoom's ridiculous statement about "Zionists and Christians". On the other hand, many Maldivians are worried that they will be subjected to painful pre-war Iraq style sanctions. Neither of these interpretations are correct. read more   "Unlawful and false" - Gayyoom blasts his own human rights commission Gayyoom's stint in the Middle-East is not bringing the dictator any peace of mind, as a series of leaked documents expose more of his lies. In an particularly embarrassing development, Gayyoom's own human rights commission sent a press release to the national media, expressing concern about the condition of the detainees arrested in August in connection with the anti-government demonstration. read more    Gayyoom lied on BBC; Home ministry admits detainees were handcuffed and blindfolded The Maldives government yesterday for the first time acknowledged that some people received injuries as they were arrested in August following the anti-Gayyoom rally. But a home ministry press released read on national TV last evening blamed what it called "minor injuries" on the actions of the detainees themselves, and claimed that police officers had also been hurt. read more    Minivan Radio  Special Announcement Minivan Radio announces a new frequency From tonight 22nd September 2004, Wednesday, Minivan Radio will broadcast on SW 12015 KHz (12.015 MHz) 25 Meter band. This is in order to transmit a clearer signal to the Maldives.     Tuesday, 21st September 2004 Urgent action needed from Resort Workers Questions remain unanswered because still we are calmly witnessing the inhumane treatment of our bosses, educated elite and respected members of our Parliament being thrown into jail and systematically tortured by the Government of Gayyoom without any regard or respect. We know that Gayyoom is both cruel and inhumane. We must not stand to watch these horrible events. We are responsible for what happens to these people. read more We must boycott local media altogether Enough is enough. It is now time to show them that we the people have power to influence what is informed to us and that we can tackle government propaganda. They are feeding our people with complete lies and trying to project that Gayyoom is the only one who can run our small but old nation. We must stop buying local papers and tuning into their TV and Radio stations. read more   Gayyoom hits back at his own Human Rights Commission Press Release Maldives Human Rights Commission's official press release was refused publication in any of the local press and media. However, it has been widely distributed in Maldives and also it has been distributed throughout the world in English as well. read more      Monday, 20th September 2004 Maldives Human Rights Commission Press Release (banned in Maldives) The following News Release is by the Maldives Human Rights Commission today. This was refused publication by all local media. Translated by Dhivehi Observer. The news release states that the detainees were treated inhumanely and calls for repeal of state of emergency. read more     Amnesty International Appeal Incommunicado detention / fear of torture or ill-treatment / prisoners of conscience MALDIVES At least 69 people detained following demonstrations for democratic reform read more     Sunday, 19th September 2004  Maldivian Democratic Party    Press Release Despite international condemnation Gayyoom's arrests continue Just days after the European Union gave its most vocal warning to the Gayyoom 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.  read more  Minivan Radio  Special Program Tonight Tribute to September 2003 Victims Minivan Radio will broadcast a special one hour program from tonight until Tuesday as a tribute to those who died and suffered at the hands of Gayyoom's security forces last September. Please download the program now and distribute to family and friends. The broadcast will be at the same time ? local time 9:00 tonight on SW 13.855 MHz. please download mp3 now   Please note that it may take a while to download the file - size is 7 MB. You can also download the zip file.  Minivan Radio  Special Announcement Minivan Radio announces a new frequency From 22nd September 2004, Wednesday, Minivan Radio will broadcast on SW 12015 KHz (12.015 MHz) 25 Meter band. This is in order to transmit a clearer signal to the Maldives. Please send all feedback to minivanradio@gmail.com    Tid Bits Maldives Has the highest Divorce rate in the world. The 50th Anniversary edition of the Guinness books of world records, soon to be published, would declare that the Maldives has the highest divorce rate in the whole world. Is this an achievement to be proud of or something to be ashamed of as it is testament to the collapse of governments policies on making traditional family values the cornerstone of the Maldivian society? more      Saturday, 18th September 2004 Dedicated to Evan Naseem Please wear black in remembrance of Evan Naseem on the 19th of September 19th of September 2003 was a depressing day for Maldivians. It was the day Maumoon and his NSS force brutally murdered one of our brothers, Evan Naseem. This inhuman act was purely carried out by Maumoon?s NSS force because one night the officers were bored, had nothing to do, so why not torture an inmate to pass time? After all who cares the inmates are there for NSS officers to do whatever they feel fit. read more   Terrorising the People: The Secret to Gayyoom's Staying Power By denying the atrocities, Gayyoom is demonstrating that he is part of it, as well as lying to the people, flouting international treaties, and exposing himself to the whole world as a desperate dictator trying to cling on to power by terrorising his own people. The international community must not give this man any more time; instead they must continue to mount the pressure. read more         Friday, 17th September 2004  Gayyoom's Propaganda Machine   www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv  Yesterday European Commission called for giving more time to the reform agenda proposed by the President This is a translation of the news article  published in the President's Official Website yesterday  upon the resolution being passed in the European Parliament on Maldives. Local TV and Radio are claiming that this Resolution is not worth anything and EU Commission is fully behind the government of Maldives. Furthermore, many local press is personally attacking Mr. Nirj Deva and maintaining the claim that the works by the dissidents is supported by Christian Missionaries, this is in reference to the Christian Democratic Party that Nirj Deva represents. Gayyoom's propaganda machine is in full swing. read more       Thursday, 16th September 2004  Maldivian Democratic Party   Press Release The European parliament passed a resolution on the Maldives on 16th September 2004. The resolution was passed without a single dissenting vote. read more   Press Release EU resolution calls for sanctions against Maldivian "dictator" The European Parliament today voted unanimously on imposing sanctions against the regime of Maumoon Gayyoom in the Maldives. The strongly worded motion, passed by 170 MEPs with none against, calls upon "President Gayyoom to immediately repeal the state of emergency in the Maldives, guarantee the fundamental human rights of his citizens, and release the pro-democracy reformers he arrested on 14th August." The resolution goes on to demand an "immediate cessation of all non-humanitarian aid to the Maldives and an immediate travel ban in order to prevent members of the Government and other officials of the Maldives from entering the Member States of the European Union." It calls on ?The European Union to issue thorough warnings to all tourists planning to go to the Maldives of the human rights record of this country." read more   EU Resolution on Maldives passed with 170 votes to Nil against and 7 abstentions The following  Resolution was passed today in the European Parliament  and was voted today at Strassburg. Out of 177 MEPs 170 voted in support of the resolution with 7 abstentions. None voted against the resolution. This is a remarkable support for the motion and the expressed will of the European Parliament, representing more than 450 million people in Europe.   MOTION FOR A JOINT RESOLUTION (PASSED) In accordance with article 115 of the Rules of Procedure    by    ..... on behalf of the EPP-ED Group        ..... on behalf of the PSE Group        ..... on behalf of the ALDE Group        ..... on behalf of the Green/EFA Group        ..... on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group        ..... on behalf of the IND/DEM        ..... on behalf of the UEN Group        ..... on behalf of the EDD Group   on the political situation in the Maldives read more   Another Scandal in the Tourism Industry Bidding is just a name when it comes to resort bidding in the Maldives Tourism Industry. Lhaviyani Atoll Hudhufushi (a 400 bed resort), which is still not in operation after 3 years was given to Giraavaru Abdul Rauf (whose daughter is married to Gayyoom?s son) over three years ago and similarly Haa Alifu Dhonakulhi (a 100 berth marina and a 50 bed resort) which was awarded to a company belonging to Shuaib Shah (Maumoon?s son in law). And now we see a similar scandal in the cases for the recent Villivaru and Biyaadhoo bidding whose results just came out. Villvaru was awarded to Mr Ibrahim Abdul Latheef of Athamaage and Biyaadhoo was awarded to Sunland Pvt Ltd. read more   Personal retributions of a dictator Legal experts should take Gayyoom to task The EU motion is the best thing to happen to ordinary Maldivians, who want to escape the rampant corruption and brutality of Gayyoom's regime. Finally, an influential external body with economic muscle is on their side. As if to add the general mood, Gayyoom and his family have reportedly flown out of the country. Many people will hope that they have seen the back of the dictator for good, but that may be too much to hope for. read more   "FAIR TRAVEL" - EU TO BLOCK AID AND TRAVEL TO PARADISE ISLAND DICTATORSHIP Press Release - Nirj Deva MEP An All-Party "urgency" motion, tabled for this week's European Parliament plenary by key European Parliament figures, demands the immediate release of moderate pro-democracy opposition members, arrested in mid-August by Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom. Currently, some 80 people remain imprisoned without trial or legal representation, amidst credible reports that they are being tortured. read more   Is Assassination Next? Selected article - MDP newsletter Issue 20 With the hostages secured, all that stands between him and assured continuity of his brutal oppression, are just five people in exile. So Gayyoom has declared in an interview with the Hindu of India. It has been some months since the talk of assassinating key people opposed to his dictatorial rule has been bandied around. read more     Wednesday, 15th September 2004 MDP Newsletter 20 Released   Articles include: Gayyoom plays political Music Chairs Gayyoom's EU blues Is Assassination Next? Gayyoom knows about torture and sanctions it: How about ministers, IGMH doctors and the Human Rights Commission? It is time for decent people who know about the atrocities to take a stance: either they support Gayyoom's human rights abuses or they don't. You are either with the terrorist that is Gayyoom or you are with the freedom loving people of the Maldives. Its time to decide. read more       Tuesday, 14th September 2004   Fathulla Jameel How well do we know Foreign Minister Fathulla Jameel? Not much. He is quite foreign to most Maldivians as his portfolio indicates, because he has never been assigned a post that required him to relate with the average Maldivian at any point of time during the last three decades. For most people, Foreign Minister Jameel is known as the longest-serving foreign minister in the world and the most influential and closest ally of President Gayyoom. Among the diplomatic community worldwide, he is most renowned for his outrageous jokes for every occasion, though most of them in very poor taste. This is a tactic he uses to conceal his lack of substance or charisma required for such an important job. read more     For Gayyoom, it is all a show In Gayyoom's mind, what matters are his overall stature and the quality of his bed covers or the interior decoration of his office, not the welfare of his people! This can be very easily observed when you look at the grandeur Presidential Palace or the multimillion dollar office complex or his luxury yacht. read more     The Garbage uttering despot; Gayyoom should stand trial at an International Court of Law According to sources from within the armed forces, hundreds of suspects were handcuffed from behind, kicked and severely beaten by a throng of manic brutes, who may have been hastily fitted with smart new uniforms but cannot escape responsibility for their actions anymore by saying they were following orders. read more     Monday, 13th September 2004   Maldivian Democratic Party    Press Release Maldives cabinet reshuffle: musical chairs, whilst pro-democracy MPs remain in prison President Gayyoom of the Maldives initiated a cabinet reshuffle today, the first major change in government since the mass pro-democracy protest of 12/13th August, the subsequent arrest of pro-democracy activists and the declaration of a State of Emergency. read more     What is Gayyoom planning with the Chinese? "China attaches great importance to developing friendly relations and cooperation with the Maldives", says Chinese President Hu Jintao. Maldives Info The Chinese Government has expressed its support of the policies of the Government of the Maldives on recent internal developments in the country. The President of China, Mr. Hu Jintao, expressed his support in a letter that he sent to President Gayyoom. read more       Sunday, 12th September 2004 Early Day Motion on Maldives gaining support in the British Parliament  read more Early Day Motion: MALDIVES - Oaten/Mark - 22.07.04 That this House, seeing the developing situation in the Maldives, urges President Gayyoom and all sides to work for urgent, peaceful democratisation; abhors the detention and torture of political prisoners as documented by Amnesty International; urges the full recognition of the Maldivian Democratic Party; and urges the British Government to strengthen its representations on the matter and British and other companies present in the Maldives to refrain from any activity that impedes the growth of democracy.     Please, save us from Dictator Gayyoom!!! Once, his target was the scholars of Islam, who criticized his abuse of religion to stay in power and the misleading of an ignorant citizen. Then it evolved into a philosophy, a dogma that anyone who opens up his/her mouth against him or any one who opposes him should be subjected to torture. No distinction is to be made between the children, the young, the old, the men, the women in this. read more     Transcript of the President's interview to Mr. V. S. Sambandan, Special Correspondent, The Hindu Venue: Shaheed Ali Hall, The President?s Office Time: 1300 hrs, 2nd September  President: I think the country is now ready for a transition from the traditional systems that we have known to new modern systems.  I think there are now more people in the country who are educated. There are thousands of graduates, and hundreds holding masters' degrees and several with PhDs. So, the country is ready now for a change. read more       Saturday, 11th September 2004  Gayyoom's smear campaign against EU What is Nirj Deva's real agenda?   Deva hastened to enlist Maldives for an EU sanction. Didn't he know that it would be the ordinary people of this country who would bear the brunt of such an action? As a Maldivian, I have only one message for this Brown Englishman: you are not invited, and you are not welcome in the Maldives, ever! read more        Press Statement  Ministry of Foreign Affair Press Release on the declaration by the Heads of Mission of the European Union accredited to the Maldives on the State of Emergency in the Maldives     Friday, 10th September 2004   Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) Gayyoom is unrelenting On the 13th August 2004 President Gayyoom found his long reign under intense pressure. Large crowds at times numbering ten to twelve thousand took vigilance for political prisoners and detained activists in the Republican Square adjacent to the Head Quarters of the National Security Services (NSS). The vigilance started on the morning of the 12th August 2004 and it was brutally broken on the afternoon of the 13th August 2004. Mr. Gayyoom ordered the crack down and arrested all the pro-reformers. The charge to arrest and the manner of it was extremely brutal. Limbs were broken, skulls cracked, young boys were rammed to the payment.  read more   British Prime Minister briefed by DO on Maldives issue The British Prime Minister Tony Blair was sent a letter by Ahmed Moosa (Sappe') Dhivehi Observer Editor in Chief, earlier this week requesting the Prime Minister to help Maldivians in their pursuit of democracy and freedom. Mr. Moosa said in his letter  "Over the past 10 months, the situation has deteriorated severely (in the Maldives). The final blow to our hopes was on 13th August 2004 when Gayyoom arrested hundreds of pro-reformists and labelled them as fundamentalist elements, terrorists or traitors, attempting to overthrow Gayyoom. The demonstration was a peaceful protest to release pro-reformists who were arrested during that week." read more     Thursday, 9th September 2004 Draft Council Conclusions on EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders The EU supports the principles contained in the Declaration on the Right and responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognised Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Although the primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights lies with states, the EU recognises that individuals, groups and organs of society all play important parts in furthering the cause of human rights. read the document   Ministers' pay - A Well-guarded Secret of the Maumoon Government. Minister's salary is one of the best-kept secrets of the Maumoon's government. For over 10 years nobody, except a very few at the President's Office and the Ministry of Finance know how much is being paid out to the government's elite, the ministers. While they attend and sign registers at their respective offices one wonders why they cannot be paid from their places of work rather than the President's Office. The truth behind their well-guarded and secretive pay lies the hefty figure they are monthly handed over by the highest office of the country. read more       Wednesday, 8th September 2004 MDP shares EU disappointment MDP press release - 7th September 2004 The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) welcomed the statement by the EU and shares its disappointment in being denied access to political prisoners arrested after the August 13-14th demonstrations. read more     Declaration by the Heads of Mission of the European Union accredited to the Maldives on the State of Emergency and the detention of Members of the Special Majlis. The Heads of Mission of the European Union accredited to the Maldives sent a delegation to Maldives to discuss the detention of Members of the Special Majlis, the events that led to their arrest and the reform process. On 6 September 2004 the European Union delegation met the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs. read more      DO  Exclusive   'Zero Degree Atoll' concerned over Mohoj's solitary confinement 'Zero Degree Atoll' is one of the most prominent Maldivian bands. One of it's founder members, Mohamed Hasen Didi (Mohoj) was arrested on 13th August 2004 for participating in the pro-democracy demonstration that day. Confirmed reports say that Mohoj was blindfolded for over 20 hours and kept handcuffed to his back for 8 days. "He will not even hurt a fly, how can he be arrested for being violent? This is absolutely outrageous!" said his long term friend and partner, founder and the leader of Zero Degree Atoll, Mr. Ahmed Nashid. read more     Monday, 6th September 2004 Maldives Police: Old Wine in a New Bottle Maldives Royal Family They are the same personnel operating out of the same premises. Only the uniforms and paint on vehicles have changed. However the newly formed Maldive Police Service does not have the power of arrest outside Male'. The metamorphosis of the boys in khaki into the boys in blue is an adventure without a legal framework. read more     Open Letter to Maldivians The Maldives: From Charybdis to Scylla? Maldives Royal Family "Will the Maldive people be able to rise out of the chaos and finally freely choose to live in a prosperous and free society where law and order, including respect for each others' freedoms, rule?"   Xavier Romero-Frias and Aishath Naazneen's Open letter to the Maldive People. read more    To the beloved people of Beslan, Russia On behalf of the readers of Dhivehi Observer, we send our deepest sympathy to the grieving families of Beslan, Russia. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who perished and those who were injured in this most heinous act of barbarism. We hope that those injured will recover fully in the shortest time possible. We love you all very much and we are thinking of you all in this most difficult of times.       Sunday, 5th September 2004  Human Rights Features Maldives: 'Unique Democracy' Run By Typical Autocrat   Maumoon Gayyoom and NSS officers - 2004 The human rights situation in the Maldives took a turn for the worse about one year ago, drawing international attention to the severe deficiency of freedoms and democracy in the tiny nation. The volatile situation has again erupted into violence as President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom attempts to violently crush the nation?s blossoming pro-democracy movement. read more   Friday, 3rd September 2004 Gayyoom is just a revision of Saddam Hussain Gayyoom is just a revision of Saddam Hussain. The difference is Gayyoom cooperates with the international community whereas Saddam failed to do so. Even Saddam showed an above 90 percent support few months before he was toppled. But a large number of Iraqi people celebrated his removal from power. We urge the international community not to listen all what Gayyoom?s government is saying. Send your special envoys and talk to the ordinary people and the prisoners. Help us to get our basic human rights. It is the duty of the World?s biggest powers to spread the democracy all over the world and to provide human rights to each and every human being.  We further believe Great Britain has to play a lead role for two reasons. Firstly, Royal Air Force of UK had an Air Base in Maldives and we still have graveyards of your martyrs on our land. Secondly, Maldives is now one of the best holidaying destinations for the Britain. We believe the responsible parties would take necessary actions to calm down the situation in the Maldives and to bring real democracy to the nation. read more     An insight into the fate of Black Friday detainees   Just after 3 pm Fri 13/8 Police pounded on the demonstrators and arrested hundreds We are now able to give a clearer picture of how some of the people were arrested on the 13th August 2004 in connection with the pro democracy demonstration in Male'. This report has been compiled with first hand information both from Maafushi Jail and Dhoonidhoo interrogation centre. Most of the detainees were blindfolded and hand cuffed for the first 20 hrs of their arrest. They were taken to Girifushi, which is a training camp for the NSS. 176 of them were held in Girifushi for 8 days. There were many children and youth among those initially detained. They were also treated in exactly the same manner and fashion as the adults. Many were severely tortured during this period. Women detainees were even sexually molested.  read more         Thursday, 2nd September 2004 Amnesty International Appeal Further Information on UA 249/04 (ASA 29/005/2004, 17 August 2004) - Incommunicado detention/fear of torture or ill-treatment read more   MDP Newsletter 19 Released Articles include: Gayyoom's Crackdown Continues Villainizing parliament ? self-delusions of an aging dictator Gayyoomspeak on BBC Letters - Gayyoom the Congenital Liar Have Mercy on Gayyoom Plans to assassinate dissidents   Wednesday, 1st September 2004  Blast from the past After the brutal killings in Maldives jail by Gayyoom's security forces last September, BBC reported the incident to the world; what happened next? These article are proof of how Gayyoom reacts to criticism. He went to the extreme of writing to the BBC alleging that BBC had unlawfully attempted to influence the outcome of the Presidential Election on 17th October 2003. Gayyoom was furious that BBC had broadcasted a report critical of his heavenly rule. They also reported in local TV and Radio and newspapers that BBC had blurred the picture by interviewing someone who was critical of the regime. Eevan Naseem was beaten to death by 12 police guards on 19th September 2003. On 20th September 19 unarmed Maldivians were shot, 3 of whom died.   The Government condemns the BBC's unlawful attempts to influence the outcome of the Presidential Election held yesterday  Maldives Culture special report BBC plot to destabilise Maldives, says regime Gayyoom government media machine gets nasty up

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