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DO Special Report
Maldivians love Qasim but they are scared; Is an armed struggle the only solution?

By DO Editor in Chief, Ahmed Moosa (Sappe'), Male' - 26^th September, 2004

Riot Police was wearing gas masks

Riot police and military personnel were all over the island

Displaying the mighty military power as if an armed conflict is imminent

Blockades with heavy military presence is common in Male' now

These armoured vehicles are the only sign of stability Gayyoom can show to his people

Show of military muscle on the South side of Male' on 24th September 2004

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.

Despite him being a much loved and respected figure, the public is unable to do anything in the face of the military might of Gayyoom's government. Furthermore, the country is still under emergency rule that was declared on 13th August. Even Qasim's own family are questioning the loyalty of the thousands of people who their father has helped and continues to help. More than 90% of Qasim's annual net profit is expensed on helping the destitute Maldivians. Hundreds of Maldivians are studying abroad on his scholarships and many more are even today undergoing medical treatment home and abroad with his aid. Despite being one of the richest man in the country and in the region, he lives a humble life. He does not live in a multi-million dollar mansion or even drive a car. He lives the simple 'Maldivian life'. Mr. Qasim is a man of integrity and more importantly a man with a big heart.

He was admitted to the hospital suffering from breathing difficulties on 24th September. Confirmed reports say that a heart attack cannot be ruled out. He is being kept under heavy guard in the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male’ and hundreds of Maldivians want to go and see him. Even his family members are not allowed free access to him. Qasim is very distress and unwell that he does not speak to anyone. DO can confirm that he has requested to be allowed to go abroad for medical treatment. On the contrary, the authorities want him to be taken back to the jail with medical equipment and a doctor. It is obvious that Gayyoom's security forces are inconsiderate and ruthless. They are playing with the life of the most prominent Maldivian businessman and a much loved person in the country as well as in the region. The attitude of Gayyoom in this incident is further testimony to his brutality.

Qasim's has helped thousands of Maldivian with their medical, academic and even housing needs. He operates a welfare department from the his head office. Everyday Qasim spends hours going through the letters and applications. Those who work closely with him knows how generous he is and why he does what he does. Qasim is a people's person and helping his fellow countrymen is what gives him a sense of achievement and inspires him to work even harder.

When the news of his admittance to the hospital broke out in Male' large crowds tried to get into the hospital but were refused entry. Some however got in and people in other parts of the hospital gathered around near the intensive care unit where he was reported kept initially. Despite the admiration of the people and their desire to help him, people were scared to voice their concern and demand for their release. Minivan Radio reported the details of the arrest immediately in a special bulletin and called for the mass to go come out and call for his release. So far, there has not been a mass demonstration to save Qasim, which is in fact shameful but understandable.

Police and heavy military presence was observed hours before Qasim was being brought to IGMH. Armoured vehicles and riot police was all over the place. This show of military muscle was to warn the public that the authorities will do whatever it takes to salvage the mighty and brutal dictators' rule. Hundreds of Maldivians however gathered near the hospital but had to disperse due to heavy rain and also the intimidation by the security forces. Furthermore, the public are vary that the country is under emergency rule as well as the experiences of police brutality since 13th August is adding to their complete horror. Public believe that Gayyoom's security forces will open fire at them if they stage a protest and that hundreds will die. Despite condemnation from all corners of the world, Gayyoom is relentless and continues with his rule of total oppression and lawlessness. Even the European Union has called to repeal the state of emergency and to release pro-reformists who are in custody.

Gayyoom's security forces and his authority is so paranoid that they even want to know who is praying for Qasim. Last night the people of Maamigili, where Qasim is from, conducted a mass prayer in the mosque. All they did was pray for Qasim's quick recovery. Today the Police has called the island chief to get a list of people who took part in this prayer. Even praying for Qasim is now illegal. How extreme can things be? Even praying is an offence in this 100% Muslim country.

The people of Maldives are hurt, disenchanted and disorientated. They are in a state of total bewilderment and disarray. This pain and anger coupled with their desire for a better life will undoubtedly explode soon. Many believe that a lot of lives will be sacrificed in the process and freedom will come but at a price much higher than any of has ever anticipated. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the situation in the Maldives. There is still time to intervene and apply more pressure to Gayyoom to bring an end to his illicit activities. If history teaches us anything, we must accept that an armed struggle is imminent under the current circumstances. There is no way to justify allowing a military dictator like Gayyoom being allowed to remain in power.

Gayyoom has unleashed his weapons to quell riots. We have witness that when he shot unarmed civilians on 20th September 2003. We have witnessed that over the past 7 weeks. We will witness that in the coming days. The Export License granted to the Maldives from UK last year is testimony to how well prepared he is to crush his opponents, whether they are in small or big numbers. (references below)

An armed conflict between the people of Maldives and Gayyoom's security forces cannot be ruled out but before that many Maldivians will perish in their non-violent fight for freedom and liberty. We must all ensure that this does not happen.

Source: http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200203/cmselect/cmdfence/474/474ap07.htm

Source: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/vo030625/text/30625w11.htm

CHEMICAL EXPORT LICENCE UK : Open General Export Licence (Chemicals) dated 1 May 2004 granted by the
Secretary of State.

Maldives
In 1996 the Maldives ordered three Cobra vehicles from Otokar, which were delivered in 1997.

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