:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

SPECIAL REPORT
Mass arrests imminent in the Maldives; Gayyoom to play his final card

Mariyam Mohamed, Male', 10^th August 2004

The multimillion dollar Presidential Palace

The destitute begging near the local market which only a few meters from the Presidential Palace

The multi-million dollar yacht Arumaazu - Gayyoom has no sense of reality - his yacht cost us more than a few schools

The Presidential Retreat island of Aarah - where mini palaces are built for each of his children - the harbour is designed for easy access when people of the country are in desperate need for similar harbours and jetty ; the multi million dollar yacht is seen anchored in the harbour

The mini palace of Yameen in Addu Atoll Gan which he rarely uses on his visits to the Atoll ; similar mini palaces are built around the country for the use of the elite family members and friends

People of the capital island are still living in appalling conditions because despite working full time the money they earn is hardly enough to pay the government utility bills

DO has been informed by a very credible source in the government that Gayyoom has ordered the arrest of key reformists in the Maldives who have been promoting pluralistic democracy. Unlike before, this time the government has written to foreign embassies around the world informing them that the Government of Maldives has no other choice but to arrest and restrain the reformists, who they are labelling as terrorists, and alleging that they are plotting to overthrow him and inciting violence. If anyone is inciting violence in the Maldives it is the National Security Service which takes orders directly from Gayyoom.

Furthermore, it is reported that Yameen's thugs are contemplating assassinating some of the reformist MPs, from amongst the MPs who staged the protest last month in the Parliament. Their main target appears to be Dr. Mohamed Munawwaru, former Attorney General, who they feel is the main obstacle in their way right now. Yameen, Gayyoom's brother, the mighty and powerful Minister of Trade is absolutely determined to crush the opposition to his brother's tyranny, which is certainly benefiting him a great deal. Yameen, like his brother Gayyoom is scared to lose out on a lavish life style, with his numerous mini palaces around the country, which he uses to entertain his friends and conduct illegal activities such as seeing porn films. In Maldivian law that is illegal but several cabinet Ministers join Yameen on many evenings in his mini palace in Funadhoo Island near Male' as well as in his mini palace in Addu Atoll Gan island.

DO has a list of these people who are carrying out illegal activities and provoking the reformists in the gathering, trying to pick a fight. These people will be named and shamed if they do not halt their activities which will only serve as a deterrent to the development of our tiny community. DO calls these parties to dissociate with this regime and work with the people to bring about tangible changes to the the way we are governed and ensure that this tyranny dies out forever.

Furthermore, illicit campaigns are being carried out in the islands by Gayyoom other powerful brother Abdulla Hameed, the Atolls Minister and the Speaker of the Parliament. A head of the National Security Service said that what people talk about Hameed and Yameen abusing their powers and standing in the way of reform is nothing but a myth. Hameed is one of the most hated people in the Maldives and operates a large paedophile operation in the country, members of which include Atoll Chiefs and Island Chiefs. Young children of 16 years have filed complaints about them being abused and even raped by members of this organisation but nothing happens because Hameed is mighty powerful.

People of the Maldives are being barred from holding any kind of debates or organise any public gathering. This is in spite of their right to freedom of expression, association and assembly guaranteed by the constitution.

Some of the reformists have been summoned to the police tomorrow and others have already been told informally that 'long and harsh months in Dhoonidhoo island Prison' awaits their fate. This is the good old trick to intimidate the public and make them fear this regime, which knows nothing but to rule one of the smallest nations in the world as a police state. People of Maldives are good natured and humble. You don’t need guns to control them.

Gayyoom will be committing a huge mistake and a grave crime if he carries out any unlawful arrests and torture anymore people. Maldivians will not hesitate to over throw him by mass demonstration if he resorts to the use of force to crush public participation in political reform in the Maldives. He must not underestimate the power and will of the people.

The enormous wealth of the Maldives is used principally to finance the lavish lifestyle of Gayyoom and his family. Palaces and yachts and holiday retreats which costs us millions could have been better utilised to fund public services. Gayyoom and his brothers will try their utmost to stay in power. No measure will be too cruel for them as long as they can remain as the elite ruling family of the Maldives.

The international community must not be a spectator when people of one of the oldest and smallest nations in the world are being repressed. If anything happens to our people, the international community will also have to take the blame.