:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

'Zero Degree Atoll' concerned over Mohoj's solitary confinement

8^th September 2004

'Zero Degree Atoll' is one of the most prominent Maldivian bands. One of it's founder members, Mohamed Hasen Didi (Mohoj) was arrested on 13^th August 2004 for participating in a pro-democracy demonstration. Confirmed reports say that Mohoj was blindfolded for over 20 hours and kept back-handcuffed for 8 days.

'Zero Degree Atoll' is one of the most prominent Maldivian bands. One of it's founder members, Mohamed Hasen Didi (Mohoj) was arrested on 13^th 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.

Gayyoom has been indiscriminate in apprehending people after the events of Black Friday, 13^th August 2004; the pro democracy demonstration which was crushed by police.

Hundreds of key reformists from all walks of life and from different segments of the Maldivian society were beaten up badly by Gayyoom's security forces.

Amongst the detainees is one of the most popular musicians in the Maldives, Mohamed Hasen Didi, popularly known as 'Mohoj'. He is a founder member of the no.1 music band in the Maldives, the Zero Degree Atoll, which has performed in several international events, mostly in promoting the Maldives tourism industry.

Mohoj is a well loved and a respected member of the community in Male'. He comes from a respectable family and is a very humble person. "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, who is currently touring Europe promoting his new album 'Bird in flight'.

Mohoj with Nashid last year. They have been performing together for over 25 years and are very respectable public figures in the Maldives

Just like other concerned Maldivians, Mohoj has been participating in all the reform activities in the last few months. He attended all the reform debates and was also in amongst the crowd on July 19^th 2004,when 23 members of the parliament staged a protest in defence of the country’s constitution.

"I am very concerned about the health and well being of Mohoj. Understandably, his family is very distressed. His son Moosa, 12, is very confused and lost. Mohoj is very close to his family" said Nashid speaking exclusively to DO. On a business note Mr. Nashid said "we, the Zero Degree Atoll, have already made plans for a major concert in Las Vegas, USA this month (23 - 26th September 2004) but it obviously cannot be staged. This is a great opportunity for our band and our music; in fact, this is a great opportunity for Maldivian music as a whole. All the arrangements have already been made; we have even hired group musiciansl. I am at a loss now!".

Mr. Nashid is probably the most famous Maldivian musician. He has fans all around the world. In fact, he is the winner of the 'Best Blues Artist Award' in New York International Music Festival last year (2004). He performed in the awarding ceremony at Madison Square Garden, New York and is currently touring Europe promoting his latest album 'Bird in flight'

Mohoj has been a musician all his life. Gayyoom cannot deny that he does not know this personally. Mohoj is a model citizen and have never hesitated to participate with his band and his talent in promoting the Maldives abroad. Along with Mohoj, his elder brother Hussain Didi (Huchen), a solo musician, was also arrested on Black Friday.

In this exclusive interview with DO, Mr. Nashid also said "I respectfully call on the government of Maldives to show restraint and release these innocent people. Not only Mohoj but even people like Honourable Qasim Ibrahim, who has touched so many lives in the Maldives with his philanthropic work. He must not be locked up and treated this way. I for one, can attest his generosity and kindness. My own father is a cancer patient and Hon. Qasim has very kindly been supporting him in everyway possible. I know that there are hundreds of Maldivians who will be experiencing such misfortunes because people like Hon. Qasim are in custody."

In answering DO's question about whether or not Mr. Nashid will join the reform movement, he said "I don't think I have much of a choice, I am in it already. I will be working as hard as I can to ensure that my family and friends are released unharmed. They are not criminals and they must not be locked up. I have nothing to do with politics but how can I ignore all this."