Dhivehi Observer Maldives News

Humanity 2211: amazing future predicted for next 200 years

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 06:56:00 +0000

By Dick Pelletier

Although it's impossible to predict events two centuries ahead with 100% accuracy, by tracking breakthroughs expected in the coming years – such as stem cells and genetic engineering fighting disease; nanotech providing scarcity-free lifestyles; powerful telescopes that discover intelligent life on distant planets; then add a dash of imagination – we can create a likely scenario of our 200 year future.

2011-2049 – During the early 21st century, biotech and nanotech were credited with improving healthcare, which reduced death rates from 50 million in 2011; to 45 million by 2020; 30 million by 2030.

By 2035, molecular nanotech researchers began building household nanofactories. High end models that produce electronics, clothing, appliances, food, and medicine are priced from $5,000. Economy units that produce only food, clothing, and drugs are priced under $1,000, making them affordable to families in developing countries. Personal nanofactories have liberated humanity from the tyranny of material want.

By mid-2040s, replacing biological tissues with non-biological body parts became the most requested medical procedure. Critics wonder though, does this turn us into machines; or make us less human? Most people believe that this does not affect our humanness; it only improves health and strengthens bodies.

In late 2040s, contributors at the Human Connectome Project found ways to keep consciousness and memories intact in bodies damaged from accidents or violence, giving nanorobots time to restore the body to its pristine form. This neuro-technology interrupts events that normally lead to death. Scientists are now using this system in all death situations, which may finally move immortality from theory to reality.

Birthrates diminished during this time also. Desire to perpetuate family lineage through children didn't make sense when it became evident that nearly all deaths might soon be preventable. In spite of reduced birth rates though, fewer deaths caused world population to rise from 7 billion in 2011, to 9 billion in 2050.

2050-2099 – Influenced by successful Moon and Mars forays, by mid-21st century, humanity began scattering its populations to the stars. By 2100, more than a billion people live and work in space.

In 2060, powerful new telescopes helped scientists discover a planet 600 light years from Earth, Gilas 435, with human-like intelligent life activities observed in its atmosphere. But because it has taken 600 years for these images to reach our eyes, the activities were viewing actually took place 600 years ago.

However, our latest artificial intelligence systems can simulate advances these ETs may have made over the past 6 centuries; and predict how they might appear today, and identify the technologies they may have mastered. CGI pictures of their bodies posted on the Internet have created worldwide euphoria.

Futurists believe these space cousins could bear an uncanny resemblance to us, and they may have developed similar technology expertise. On another note, we finally have proof that we're not alone in the cosmos. However, critics wonder if the aliens share human-like emotions, and would they be dangerous.

Our intelligence systems indicate that Gilas 435 inhabitants pose no threat to humanity. Scientists see this as a great opportunity to exchange knowledge with another world. Many people favor sending a welcome probe, but the issue has been referred to the UN Space Security Council for recommendations.

2100-2149 – By 2100, humanity has evolved from separate squabbling cultures into a peaceful global village working as one voice eager to explore new worlds; and we now utilize 100% of the sun's energy that strikes our planet. These feats have earned us what is described as Kardashev Type I Civilization status, a rating system designed by cosmologist Nikolai Kardashev to categorize intelligent civilizations.

The increased energy we now enjoy has spurred development of warp-drive spaceships with faster-than-light speed travel, allowing real time intra-galactic flights to nearby stars. In 2125, the UN Space Security Council approved the launch of an undetectable nanorobot stealth ship to explore Gilas 435.

2150-2210 – In 2160, scientists began constructing a Dyson Sphere. This futuristic idea, proposed by world renowned astronomer Freeman Dyson, captures all the sun's energy. To build this techno-wonder, nanoreplicators created tiles; and space faring nanobots arranged them to encompass the Earth and sun.

Completed in 2180, this system accesses 100% of our star's energy and provides 252 quadrillion square miles of habitable space inside its boundaries for colonization. Commanding energy levels billions of times more than before has now earned Earth a Kardashev Type II Civilization status.

The increased energy from harnessing our sun enables us to develop powerful technologies that allow the construction of space colonies throughout the Milky Way, and even distant probes to other galaxies.

2211 – Human population now totals 11 billion; 4 billion live on Earth, 7 billion offworld. Many dream of reaching Type III Civilization status, controlling energy from multiple stars in the galaxy, which experts predict could happen within the millennium. Imagine a future where we control wormholes, travel through time and can visit our alternate selves in parallel universes. "We're not in Kansas any more."

The possibilities for this "magical future" seem almost limitless. Could technologies develop in this rapid timeframe? Futurist Ray Kurzweil predicts that world information is doubling each decade. In 20 decades, we will sharpen our intelligence with billions of times more information than is available today.

Should society become enthused with the bold scenarios described in this article, this amazing future could become reality as we wind through the next 200 years. Think positive; this future could be yours.

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs.

Time for All Political Parties to Work Together to Reform Judiciary – MDP

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:09:00 +0000

The Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) today responded to the preliminary observations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Ms. Gabriela Knaul, by stating that the time has now come for all political parties, NGOs and lawyers in the Maldives to work together to urgently reform of the country's judicial sector. Ms. Knaul's observations, following her fact-finding mission to the Maldives, are the latest in a long line of reports by eminent international experts and organizations that cast severe doubt over the judiciary's independence, integrity, impartiality and professionalism.

At the end of her visit, the UN expert confirmed that “many challenges to the independence of judges, prosecutors, court officials and lawyers remain, and these directly affect the delivery of justice. Those challenges should be assessed and addressed as a matter of urgency within the parameters laid down by the Constitution and international human rights standards. In the longer-term, the Maldivian people should consider reforms to the Constitution, with the view to improving the tools and measures at the disposal of the State to ensure the independence of the judiciary and the delivery of fair and impartial justice”.

Mirroring earlier comments by, amongst others, the International Commission of Jurists and the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the Special Rapporteur suggested that not only is the Maldives judiciary not independent or impartial, but rather the entire concept of judicial independence has been perverted by the judicial sector and government. According to Ms. Kaul: “the concept of independence of the judiciary has been misconstrued and misinterpreted in the Maldives, including among judicial actors. The requirement of independence and impartiality does not aim at benefitting the judges themselves, but rather the court users, as part of their inalienable right to a fair trial”.

Following the logic of the Bangalore Principles and the ICJ's and UN Human Rights Committee's recent critiques of the Maldives judicial system, the mandate-holder noted that: “Integrity and accountability are essential elements of judicial independence and are intrinsically linked to the implementation of the rule of law”. In this regard, just because the Constitution says the judiciary is independent does not make it so. What is important, rather, is the “establishment of mechanisms of accountability for judges, prosecutors and court staff is imperative. Such mechanisms must guarantee that the investigation of any actor in the judicial system safeguards the person's right to a fair hearing. Investigations should be based on objective criteria, the process should respect the basic principles of a fair trial and an independent review of all decisions should be available”. In the Maldives, the Judicial Services Commission, dominated by politicians and judges loyal to former President Gayoom, has repeatedly failed in its constitutional duty to uphold judicial integrity and accountability.

The Special Rapporteur also expressed support for the concerns repeatedly raised by Ms. Aishath Velezinee, a former member of the JSC and whistleblower (who, in 2011, was stabbed and almost killed because of her outspoken comments), who said that the very starting point of judicial independence – the post 2008 Constitution system of screening and reappointing judges – was marred by malpractice and corruption. The Special Rapporteur reflected on “serious concerns...regarding the system of appointment of judges. I believe that an appointment body acting independently from both the executive and legislative branches of Government should be established with the view to countering any politicization in the appointment of judges and their potential improper allegiance to interests other than those of fair and impartial justice...I have heard from numerous sources that the current composition of the Judicial Services Commission, the body in charge of the appointment, transfer, and removal of judges, is inadequate and politicized”. Ms. Ms. Knaul called for urgent reform of the JSC and emphasized that “no political representation [on the body] should be permitted”.

Turning to the problem of selectivity in the judiciary, which has seen hundreds of important cases against allies of former President Gayoom and members of the current government kicked into the legal 'long grass', while the Prosecutor-General, the judicial administration authorities and the courts enthusiastically pursue political trials against President Nasheed and other MDP members, the Special Rapporteur noted concerns about “the apparent lack of transparency in the assignment of cases, as well as in the constitution of benches, within all courts, including the Supreme Court. When cases are assigned in a subjective manner, the system becomes much more vulnerable to manipulation, corruption and external pressure. Information on the assignment of cases should be clearly available to the public in order to counter suspicions of malpractice and corruption”.

According to the Special Rapportuer, these deep-seated problems, coupled with moves by the government to intimidate lawyers, have led to a pervasive loss of public confidence in the judicial sector. “I was struck to hear how little trust the public has in the justice system in the Maldives” said Ms. Knaul. “Justice must not merely be done but must also be seen to be done and judges must not only be actually impartial they have to appear impartial to the public. The mind-sets of the public and the authorities, including judicial authorities, have not evolved as quickly as the changes were made to the Constitution and the laws of the Maldives. This [has] created a disconnection between the promises of the 2008 Constitution and people's expectations, and the reality of how justice is delivered and the separation of powers implemented.

At the same time as welcoming the Special Rapporteur's important report, the MDP today committed itself to working with other political parties to urgently reform the judiciary and judicial accountability mechanisms such as the JSC. Speaking in support of Ms. Knaul's conclusions and recommendations, the MDP's international spokesperson, Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, said: “Establishing a truly independent, professional and widely respected judiciary is central to ending the political turmoil in the Maldives and to consolidating democracy in our country. We have always accepted this. Yet Gayoom, Waheed and others who have benefited and continue to benefit from our current corrupt and biased judiciary never have.

Today, as we digest yet another report by an eminent international body that clearly says our judiciary is not fit for purpose, it is time for all political parties to put aside their differences and work together to urgently reform our justice sector. This means immediately halting the political trials launched against President Nasheed and the hundreds of pro-democracy activists currently facing 'terrorism' and other trumped-up charges. It also means establishing a caretaker government to oversee judicial reform and to prepare the ground for genuinely free and fair elections.

The people of the Maldives cannot and should not wait one more day to be guaranteed their constitutional right to impartial justice delivered by a competent and genuinely independent judiciary”.

MDP Welcomes CMAG's Decision to Continue to Watch Maldives Situation

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 15:55:00 +0000

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has welcomed the decision of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to continue monitoring the human rights situation in the Maldives and place the country in the category of "matters of interest to CMAG".

The MDP also welcomes CMAG's decision not to allow the Maldives to resume its seat on the CMAG board unless human rights obligations are fulfilled.

CMAG stated that police brutality during the period must be investigated and that the Maldives judiciary, police and the human rights commission needed further strengthening. Additionally, it also emphasized the “need to ensure that all parties and leaders are able freely to conduct election campaigns.”

Commenting on the issue, MDP spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafour said: "We are pleased CMAG has decided to continue to keep a close eye on the Waheed regime, especially when it is gearing up to jail former President Nasheed in order to prevent him competing in next year's presidential election."

Following the CMAG meeting in New York on Friday, the group released a statement in which it said:

13. Ministers noted the Report’s conclusion that the change of President in the Republic of Maldives on 7 February 2012 was legal and constitutional, but also that certain acts of police brutality had occurred during that period which should be further investigated. They looked forward to advice from the Government of Maldives on progress with those investigations.

17. Ministers urged party leaders to commit to dialogue, paving the way to credible elections. Ministers emphasised the need to ensure that all parties and leaders are able freely to conduct election campaigns.

18. In accordance with CMAG’s enhanced mandate, as agreed by leaders at the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Ministers further agreed that they would continue to engage with Maldives positively and constructively to support Maldives in advancing the Affirmation of Commonwealth Values and Principles, in particular in strengthening the judiciary, in the process of democratic consolidation and in institution building. In this context, Ministers asked the Secretary-General to continue to brief the Group on progress in Maldives, including at CMAG’s next meeting.

19. Accordingly, CMAG agreed to continue to monitor the situation in Maldives, and to move consideration of Maldives in future to its agenda item “Matters of Interest to CMAG”. Ministers looked forward to Maldives’ resumption of full participation at CMAG’s next meeting, in the absence of any serious concerns.

The MDP is encouraged by the clarifications issued by the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. John Baird after yesterday’s CMAG meeting. http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?mthd=tp&crtr.page=1&nid=697389&crtr.tp1D=1

Concluding Statement - Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG)

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 09:17:00 +0000

NEW YORK, 28 SEPTEMBER 2012

1. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) held its Thirty-Eighth Meeting in New York on 28 September 2012.

2. The Meeting was attended by Hon Sato Kilman, Prime Minister of Vanuatu; Senator the Hon Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia; Hon Dr Dipu Moni, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh; Hon John Baird, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada; Hon AJ Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica; Hon Bernard K Membe, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Tanzania; Hon Winston Dookeran, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communications of Trinidad and Tobago; and H E Andrew Bangali, Ambassador of Sierre Leone to Ethiopia and the African Union.

3. CMAG Ministers unanimously elected Hon Dr Dipu Moni, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, as the new Chair of CMAG.

Fiji

4. CMAG reiterated its commitment to supporting and encouraging Fiji’s reinstatement as a full member of the Commonwealth family, through the restoration of civilian constitutional democracy.

5. Ministers welcomed continued progress in Fiji, including completion of the first phase of voter registration and commencement of the constitutional consultation process. Ministers welcomed the broad-based national dialogue on Fiji’s future taking place through that process, and commended the Constitutional Commission on its work to date.

6. Ministers emphasised the importance of a constitutional process which is fully independent, inclusive and without pre-determined outcomes.

7. Ministers expressed concern about remaining restrictions on human rights and the rule of law, and urged the Government of Fiji to address these, in order to create the environment necessary for credible constitutional consultations and elections.

8. Ministers reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s readiness to provide assistance to Fiji in appropriate ways and encouraged further high-level interaction between the Commonwealth and Fiji.

9. Ministers noted the decisions of leaders of the Pacific in relation to Fiji at a number of recent meetings, and reiterated the Commonwealth’s commitment to working in consultation and co-operation with regional and international partners.

Maldives

10. Ministers continued the discussion on the situation in Maldives following their teleconference on 11 September 2012. Ministers received with appreciation a personal briefing by H E Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, President of the Republic of Maldives.

11. The Group expressed appreciation for the work of the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Sir Don McKinnon.

12. CMAG Ministers welcomed the release of the Report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), established by the Government of Maldives to inquire into the transfer of power on 7 February 2012.

13. Ministers noted the Report’s conclusion that the change of President in the Republic of Maldives on 7 February 2012 was legal and constitutional, but also that certain acts of police brutality had occurred during that period which should be further investigated. They looked forward to advice from the Government of Maldives on progress with those investigations.

14. Ministers also noted the Report’s recommendations that key institutions in Maldives, including especially the judiciary, police and human rights commission, needed further strengthening. The Group welcomed the commitment made by President Waheed to implement fully the Report’s recommendations, including implementing reforms to strengthen the independence and quality of these institutions.

15. CMAG reaffirmed its support for Commonwealth assistance to strengthen democratic processes and institutions in Maldives. The Group expressed support for the Commonwealth Secretariat’s technical assistance for strengthening the long-term capacity of the judicial sector. Ministers also welcomed the Secretary-General’s offer to provide elections-related assistance. Additionally, CMAG appreciated the continued collaboration between the Commonwealth and other international partners in the consideration of further assistance for Maldives. Ministers reiterated their readiness to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders with the aim of reinforcing democratic institutions, Commonwealth values and principles.

16. CMAG Ministers underlined their concern that all parties in Maldives needed to work towards resolving the climate of division and discontent in order to bring about lasting national reconciliation. Ministers noted the importance of ensuring that the Majlis worked purposefully on critical legislation, without further risk of disruption. Ministers again urged against any actions that might provoke or incite violence.

17. Ministers urged party leaders to commit to dialogue, paving the way to credible elections. Ministers emphasised the need to ensure that all parties and leaders are able freely to conduct election campaigns.

18. In accordance with CMAG’s enhanced mandate, as agreed by leaders at the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Ministers further agreed that they would continue to engage with Maldives positively and constructively to support Maldives in advancing the Affirmation of Commonwealth Values and Principles, in particular in strengthening the judiciary, in the process of democratic consolidation and in institution building. In this context, Ministers asked the Secretary-General to continue to brief the Group on progress in Maldives, including at CMAG’s next meeting.

19. Accordingly, CMAG agreed to continue to monitor the situation in Maldives, and to move consideration of Maldives in future to its agenda item “Matters of Interest to CMAG”. Ministers looked forward to Maldives’ resumption of full participation at CMAG’s next meeting, in the absence of any serious concerns.

Other Matters

20. The Group further discussed relevant options relating to the proposal made by the Eminent Persons Group for a Commonwealth Commissioner for Democracy, the Rule of Law and Human Rights, as requested by Heads of Government in October 2011, in Perth. The outcomes of CMAG’s consideration of that matter will be reported to Commonwealth Foreign Ministers at their meeting on 29 September 2012.

MDP Criticizes Politically Motivated Detention of President Nasheed

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 08:38:00 +0000

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has criticized as politically motivated the Hulhumale’ Megistrate Court's detention of former President Nasheed.

In a notice to the defendant issued on Tuesday evening the Hulhumale’ Megistrate Court placed Nasheed under Male' arrest, which means he cannot leave the capital island, or the country, without the Court's prior permission.

“This detention is politically motivated, aimed solely at preventing President Nasheed from campaigning ahead of next year's elections” said MDP spokesperson Hamid Abdul Gafoor.

Nasheed was due to visit the southern atolls as part of the MDP's preparations for those elections.

“At a time when President Waheed is lobbying the Commonwealth to remove the Maldives from its human rights watch-list, his regime has detained the leader of the opposition.”

“Waheed likes to hide behind the fig leaf of judicial independence, but the UN Human Rights Council, Amnesty International and other NGOs have highlighted that the judiciary is bias and effectively controlled by elements in the regime.”

Waheed's Home Minister, Mohamed Jameel, has consistently said Nasheed will be the “first former Maldivian president to spend the rest of his life behind bars.” Hamid said that the Government appeared keen to make good on that pledge.

“The regime fears Nasheed will win an election. So they plan to convict him of something so they can prevent him from standing. They know their grip on power is dependent on removing Nasheed from the political equation.”

Links to the reports mentioned:

Report by the Amnesty International

http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA29/005/2012/en/6d93c0bb-67f0-4688-b22a-b8c115e83f52/asa290052012en.pdf

Statement by the UNHRC

http://www.ccprcentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/MALDIVES-7.13.12_v2.pdf

Democracy not a destination but a journey – Don McKinnon

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 03:59:00 +0000

The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Maldives, Sir Donald McKinnon, said the Report of the Commission of National Inquiry is a turning point for the country to leave the past behind and move forward.

He was pleased that all stakeholders have accepted the report despite any reservations they might individually hold. Sir Donald, who was in Maldives from8-12 September 2012, met with key stakeholders to discuss how the Commonwealth can best assist Maldives in taking forward the recommendations made by the Commission of National Enquiry.

“The Commission’s report provides key recommendations on issues that need to be addressed to strengthen democratic practice in Maldives. I am heartened to hear the commitment of the government to take forward key reforms to strengthen democratic institutions,” said Sir Donald.

“Democracy is not just the responsibility of the government, but also of every institution and all citizens. The Commonwealth stands ready to work with the Government of Maldives and its people to enhance democracy, the rule of law and human rights. I am also pleased to hear that the Parliamentary Committees are expected to resume work soon and that the People’s Majlis is scheduled to reconvene on 1 October 2012.”

He encouraged the people of Maldives to work together to heal the political divide in the country.

“Democracy is not a destination, but a journey. I hope that every institution, political party and individual citizen will make it their business to be part of that journey,” said Sir Donald.

Political Party talks scheduled for Tuesday to resolve political crisis in the Maldives Islands

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 12:35:00 +0000

Former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik have agreed to accept the Maldivian Democratic Party's offer of dialogue to agree on a way forward from the country's current political crisis.

Waheed's government has assigned their Vice-President Mohamed Waheedheen to participate in the talks agreed among Leaders of Political Parties represented in Parliament. The talks are scheduled to start 11.00am at the President's Office this Tuesday 14 August 2012.

The MDP earlier reassured the party's commitment to meaningful talks on Fri 3 August (Statement no. 93) and on Tuesday 7 August announced the party's intention to halt demonstrations in order to facilitate meaningful talks (Statement no. 97).

UN High Commissioner Condemns "Excessive Force" and "Brutality" in the Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 08:55:00 +0000

The Spokesperson of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Rupert Colville, today gave a press conference in Geneva on the human rights situation in the Maldives, in which he expressed the High Commissioner's concern at "the excessive use of force by security forces" against protesters. The Spokesman also confirmed "instances of apparent brutality have been captured on camera".

According to OHCHR, instances of police brutality "include the seemingly deliberate and uncalled-for use of some kind of spray on former President Nasheed, and the driving of police vehicles at high speed into crowds of protestors. Such actions deserve immediate investigation, and firm action should be taken by the authorities against those responsible for excessive use of force".

The UN also expressed thinly-veiled concern at the political trial of President Nasheed noting that "such matters must be handled with full respect to the due process rights and fair trial safeguards guaranteed by the Maldives' Constitution and international human rights treaty obligations".

MDP has already called the trial process politically-motivated, and designed to remove the current regime's political opponents from the public sphere. International bodies including the UN Human Rights Committee and the ICJ have also voiced serious doubts as to the independence and impartiality of the judiciary; showing that it will be impossible to conduct a fair trial".

Maldivian Democratic Party Condemns Politically Motivated Charges Against President Nasheed

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 09:36:00 +0000

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) strongly condemns the regime of Dr. Mohamed Waheed for instigating politically motivated charges against former President Nasheed in an apparent attempt to prevent him standing in the next general election.

The Prosecutor General of the Maldives said Sunday that the state would put Nasheed on trial for the arrest of Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed in January.

Mohamed, a judge appointed under the 30 year reign of former President Gayoom, was accused of corruption, abuse of office and, in one case, ordering a child to re-enact sexual abuse in open court in front of the accused.

Mohamed was also accused of the politically-motivated release of a murder suspect, who committed homicide shortly after his release from prison by Mohamed.

Mohamed was detained by the military in January after he quashed his own police arrest warrant, and used his position on the bench to halt an official investigation into his misconduct.

"The charges against former President Nasheed are politically motivated and aimed solely at trying to remove him from politics," said MDP spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor. "The judiciary in the Maldives is rotten to the core, and remains filled with handpicked Judges who are remnants of the Gayoom dictatorship. Everybody in the Maldives, including President Waheed, knows the Judiciary branch is simply incapable of delivering a fair trial, particularly in a case as politically loaded as this. President Waheed is hiding behind the veneer of an independent judiciary to wage a campaign of intimidation against his political opponents."

Ghafoor continues, "Since he assumed office in a coup in February, Waheed has arrested over 650 pro-democracy activists, his regime has been condemned by Amnesty International for persistent human rights violations, and Reporters Without Borders accuse him of eroding press freedoms. As part of its campaign of police intimidation, the regime has also arrested numerous witnesses, including members of Parliament and the Police Chief of Intelligence, who have been called to testify to the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), the body tasked with investigating the transfer of power following the police and military coup d'etat on February 7. Now Waheed is using allies in the judiciary to silence his political opponents. The Maldives is starting to resemble a police state."

The Commonwealth and the European Union have both called for fresh elections in the Maldives in 2012.

UN Expresses Concern at Reprisals Against Maldives Human Rights Defenders

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:37:00 +0000

The UN Committee on Human Rights, the premier international treaty body mandated to ensure implementation by governments of the ICCPR, today expressed deep concern at reports that government supporters have been threatening and intimidating those who have provided information to the Committee. The warning came during the closing stages of the Committee's consideration of the Maldives' report on implementation of the ICCPR.

Citing credible sources, the Vice Chair of the Committee, Mr. O'Flaherty, took the floor on an emergency point of order.

The committee had, he said, "received extremely worrying reports that civil society groups in the Maldives which gave information for this meeting have been the subject of threats as a result".

"This includes the worst kind of threat - the threat to life".

Such reprisals for cooperating with international human rights bodies is a very serious concern, he noted, and the committee takes this very seriously.

He urged the State to look into this and to assure the Committee that steps will be taken to ensure that civil society in the Maldives is fully protected.

In UN Human Rights Council resolution 12/2, the international community expresses deep concern at the growing instances of reprisals against human rights defenders who seek to cooperate with and provide information to the international human rights system. With the statement by the Human Rights Committee, the Maldives joins other States to have received such warnings including Bahrain and Sri Lanka.

Targeted Arrests and Intimidation of Women Protesters

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 21:29:00 +0000

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) condemns in the strongest terms the targeted intimidation of women protesters by Dr. Waheed’s regime. During over five months of ongoing peaceful protests against the forceful overthrow of the Maldives first democratically elected government on 7 February 2012, the MDP notes a high level of threats and targeted arrests of active, vocal women protesters. Highlighted below are a few recent cases:

Uz. HisaanHussain - the MDP’s Legal Director, member of President Nasheed’s legal team, former Cabinet Secretary, and a key witness on the events of 7 February was arrested today from a peaceful protest. Hisaan was standing behind the Police barricade as can be seen in the video below, when she was detained by riot officers. In the video, she can be heard questioning the Police officers about her constitutional rights. Hisaan was appointed as President Nasheed’s Cabinet Secretary in 2010 and is a key witness to the events that occurred in the President’s Office on 7 February coup d’etat.

http://youtu.be/3CW3NnxIyX4

Aminath Shauna - the MDP’s Youth Wing President, and former Under Secretary in Policy matters under President Nasheed’s administration was arrested on 13 July, on the grounds that she obstructed Police duty by throwing rocks at Police officers. Shauna was kept in Dhoonidhoo detention centre overnight and brought to the Criminal Court this afternoon at approximately 1530, where her hearing was delayed by over 3 hours. She was not given a sanitary napkin when she requested, and was not given access to her personal belongings, which were sent to her by her family via the Police custodial unit. Shauna’s family, friends and well wishers who were waiting in front of the court for a verdict on the grounds of her arrest and the possible extension of her detention were blockaded, threatened and pepper sprayed by Police officers who cordoned off the area. Shauna’s mother, HawwaManik was shoved aside by a Police officer when she questioned their actions. She was told, ‘this is our government, this is our country. We can send you off from anywhere we want.’ Aminath Shauna was released, without charge upon the condition that she did not attend ‘any protests for 21 days’.

MariyamMaidha – arrested on Monday, 9 July from the ongoing protests, had her detention extended to 15 days. MDP notes that this extension is equivalent to that which was given to a suspect arrested in relation to a murder case earlier this month. Aminath Shauna, upon her release stated that MariyamMaidha had not been given a change of clothes since she was arrested on Monday. Maidha is being accused of beating riot police officers.

MariyamManike – brutally arrested on 12 July by male Police officers and released unconditionally the following day. MariyamManike was not allowed a phone call while under custody and was not given medical attention for her hand, which was injured while she was being detained. MariyamManike’s thumb is fractured.

Drug tests were carried out on all detainees, even though they were not arrested in relation to a drugs case or charged with a criminal offence.

The MDP have previously highlighted and expressed concern over the current regime’s steps to narrow constitutional rights through their representatives in the legislature, and through collusion with a judiciary, which is far from independent. As such the MDP again questions the legality of the arrests of many peaceful protesters, such as Shauna, Hisaan and Mariyam Mohamed. The MDP also questions the conditions of Shauna’s and Mariyam Mohamed, a member of the Maldives’ women’s football team’s release which, which is in contravention of article 32, ‘the right to freedom of peaceful assembly without prior permission of the State.’ Shauna and Mariyam Mohamed’s mobile phones were also confiscated under a court order.

The MDP and international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International have previously raised the issue of maltreatment and harassment of women protesters and detainees with Dr.Waheed’s regime and with the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. Harassment of protesters was also raised by State Parties to the Home Minister and Head of the Maldives’ delegation, Mohamed Jameel Ahmed at the United Nations Human Rights Council’s session in Geneva on 13 July. The MDP reiterate these concerns with the recent increase in targeted intimidation towards these groups of protesters.

MDP Spokesperson for International Affairs, Hamid AbdulGafoor stated, ‘not one single police officer has yet to be charged or prosecuted in connection with the widespread police brutality in the country since Feb 7th. Whereas over 700 protesters have been arbitrarily detained, and many of them tortured, including through sexual abuse.

Top UN Human Rights Body Criticizes "Systematic Torture", "Systematic Assaults on Journalists Covering Anti-Government Protests"

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 21:25:00 +0000

The United Nations Human Rights Committee, the international treaty body mandated to ensure compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), today slammed the administration of the Maldives' coup leader, Dr. Mohamed Waheed, for gross and systematic human rights violations committed since the overthrow of the country's democratically-elected government.

After a two-day dialogue between a government delegation led by the Home Minister, Dr. Mohamed Jameel, and members of the Committee - renowned international human rights experts, the Chair Ms. Zonke Zanele Majodina, in preliminary closing observations, said the Committee is deeply concerned that "torture in the Maldives is not only systematic but systemic". She noted that at least 2 civil society members in this room have suffered torture in recent months. This is, she said "the worst kind of human rights violation". "We have heard the Government's argument that there is no torture now and that mechanisms exist to deal with this but the Committee is not convinced by these arguments" she said. The UN Committee called on the Government to set up an independent commission that is independently funded to investigate and that will result in prosecutions and redress for victims.

On freedom of assembly and expression, the Committee's preliminary decision was to reject the government's argument that the use of force since February 7th has been necessary and proportionate. "Allegations of the systematic targeting of journalists covering anti government protests as well as the targeting of people participating in the protests continue" she said.

The Committee also focused attention on the Maldives' judiciary, which, they contended, requires serious reform. Members of the Committee called for reform of the Judicial Services Commission, and urged the government to consider appointing international judges for an interim period.

During the course of the two-day dialogue, Human Rights Committee members expressed concern that the National Human Rights Commission only had a “B status”, which made significant difference on the ground.

Questions were raised about freedom of expression and assembly, how demonstrations were dispersed, the use of Sharia law, the death penalty and corporal punishment and the link between religion and State, particularly the requirement to be a Muslim in order to have Maldivian nationality. The Committee expressed serious concern about systematic torture and the lack of a mechanism to investigate accusations of torture. Judicial reform, detention facilities, inheritance rights for women and human trafficking were also discussed.

The Committee will now prepare written conclusions and recommendations which will be published before the end of July.

MDP Condemns Arrest of Party's Youth Wing President

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 11:19:00 +0000

The Maldivian Democratic Party condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing arrests of peaceful protesters, who have been using their constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and expression to call for early elections, in order to resolve the Maldives' current political crisis brought about as a result of the Police and Army mutiny which forcefully overthrew the country's first democratically elected government on 7 February 2012.

The MDP notes with serious concern the excessive force used by Police in their arrests of peaceful protesters and questions the highly targeted arrest of the MDP Youth Wing's President, Aminath Shauna, detained from the protest site this evening. Shauna completed her International Baccaluarate diploma at the Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific, Canada and went onto graduate with a bachelor's degree in Political Science, Economics and Environmental Science from the University of Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri in 2008. She then worked as a journalist at Minivan News, before joining President Nasheed's administration in November 2008, where she worked as an Under Secretary in the Policy Office till February of this year, when she was dismissed from her post by Dr. Waheed, following the coup d'etat on 7 February. Since 2009, Shauna had been a key focal point for the Maldives' Climate Change and Energy issues, including participating in UNFCCC sessions in Copenhagen and Cancun. Shauna was elected as the President of the MDP's Youth Wing in 2011. Shauna has since accompanied President Nasheed on his recent international visits including participating in high level meetings in the United States, and India. Shauna is believed to be an important target for the regime for her vocal, active opposition towards them, especially in matters relating towards police brutality. As such, the MDP questions the grounds for her arrest and remain concerned about her and others' treatment under Police custody. The MDP's Spokesperson for International Affairs, Hamid Abdul Gafoor stated, 'Shauna and many others arrested today represent the types of individuals in society which the present regime would most love to suppress - youthful, energetic, hopeful Maldivians who refuse to give up on the reality of a democratic Maldives governed by an elected leadership.'

MDP Youth Wing President Shauna Held in Dhoonidhoo Jail

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:09:00 +0000

At approximately 6:15pm local time, Shauna Aminath, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Youth Wing President, and Policy Secretary, was arrested in Male and is currently being held in police custody in the Dhoonidhoo detention island. At this time the charges against her are unknown. The MDP is deeply concerned for Shauna's safety, due to the documented abuses of other detainees held in police custody since the coup d'etat on 7 February. The MDP calls upon the government of the Republic of Maldives for her immediate release.

Shauna was recently received at meetings with the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Congress, the United Nations and the Indian government as part of former President Mohamed Nasheed's diplomatic delegation to the U.S. and India.

Shauna is well known internationally for her non-violent pro-democracy work and for her climate change advocacy, and was featured in the film THE ISLAND PRESIDENT, about former President Nasheed's first year in office.

Aminath Shauna was a Deputy Undersecretary in the President's Office until 7 February 2012, when President Mohamed Nasheed was forced to resign the presidency under the threat of violence in a coup d'etat perpetrated by an alliance between security forces loyal to the former dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and minority Islamist activists.

As Deputy Undersecretary in President Nasheed's policy office, Aminath Shauna managed all administration policy on climate change. Shauna was a point person in the nation's effort to fulfill the country's pledge to become carbon neutral by 2020, and in October 2009, she was the lead coordinator of President Nasheed's famous Underwater Cabinet Meeting.

Shauna was born in Hulhudhoo island of Addu Atoll, the Maldives' southern-most atoll in the Indian Ocean, and at the age of seven, she moved to the capital of Male to enroll in school. In 2002, she won a scholarship to study at the Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific, Canada, where she received an International Baccalaureate diploma. In 2008, after receiving a degree in Political Science, Economics and Environmental Science from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, Shauna returned to the Maldives to work at Minivan News, the first independent English-language newspaper in the Maldives, where she reported on the nation's first democratic elections.

After President Nasheed's inauguration in November 2008, Shauna joined the new president's administration to work in the Policy Office to coordinate all climate change and energy related work within the office. Between 2009 and the February 2012 coup, she was the lead representative from the Maldives to the UNFCCC climate negotiations. Recently, she was elected president of the Youth Wing of the Maldivian Democratic Party.

“Civil and Political Rights in Full Retreat in the Maldives” - MDP

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 06:11:00 +0000

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) today accused the Dr. Waheed’s regime of systematically undermining civil and political rights in the Maldives since assuming office in a coup on February 7.

In a report to the Human Rights Committee in Geneva - the expert body responsible for monitoring compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) - the MDP noted the brutal police crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy supporters over the past 72 hours, which has left dozens injured, including Members of Parliament and journalists.

Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, MDP international spokesperson, said: "civil and political rights are in full retreat. The police are responsible for daily human rights violations but nobody is ever prosecuted for these crimes - impunity has become the norm."

Hundreds of pro-democracy supporters have taken peacefully to the streets in recent days, calling for early elections and the restoration of democracy.The police have responded violently, baton-charging demonstrators, using pepper spray and reportedly firing rubber bullets at unarmed protesters. Over hundred protesters have been arrested, with some accusing the police of abuse during arrest and detention. The police detained at least 2 women with special needs assistance on Wednesday and Thursday. Demonstrators werealways within demonstrating area set by regulation when police violently dispersed the crowd. On Thursday night and early Friday morning some were rushed to the hospital while one still remains in ICU under critical condition.

In the early hours of Friday morning, the Maldives’ former Human Rights Ambassador, Mohamed Latheef, was beaten at around 2 am on Friday and arrested by police. The elected Mayor of Male Maizan Ali Manik was part of a crowd that was baton charged by police at around 2.30 am on Friday. Additionally, MP MariyaDidi has been issued death threats ‘to protect Islam’ on social media under the twitter account @MNDF_MPS. More MPs were pepper sprayed at close range and were hit with shields.

Hamid also condemned the police's repeated assaults on journalists. "The MDP notes with concern the police's continued and persistent targeting of opposition-leaning journalists." For instance, Raajje TV's cameraman Ahmed Shanoon was baton-charged and he fell unconscious on the spot during police crackdown on Wednesday's protests. Asward Ibrahim, Raajje TV's head of news was also arrested violently by the police. (0:06-0:14, Police attack Asward Ibrahim -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ0ydcERP0U&feature=player_embedded).

On Thursday night, Raajje TV stopped their live broadcast of the protests after death threats were issued to their reporters and members of staff. Deputy CEO of Raajje TV YaameenRasheedsaid, "Police gave death threats to RTV journalists and officials.” Furthermore, on their official twitter account, RTV stated “RaajjeTV commentator at the scene of the protest pepper sprayed by the police last night & anonymous callers threatening to attack station."

The Government is defending its human rights record in Geneva to the Human Rights Committee.

"The Government's delegation in Geneva is led by a Home Minister who has: published pamphlets inciting religious hatred against Jews and Christians (http://minivannews.com/politics/translation-president-nasheed’s-devious-plot-to-destroy-the-islamic-faith-of-maldivians-30991)pledged that President Nasheed will go to prison forever; and has called for the reinstatement of the death penalty. Sending such a man to defend the Government in Geneva is symbolic of the Waheed government's total disdain for human rights," said Hamid.

Hamid noted that President Nasheed's government, in contrast to the Waheed administration, had a positive human rights record:

“From the moment the Maldives ratified the Covenant in 2006 to the time of the coup d'etat in February, we had made enormous progress in implementing the rights enshrined in international treaties. In fact, the Maldives became known internationally as a country fully committed to human rights.”

"In 2009 and 2010, the Maldives rose steadily in press freedom rankings but today journalists are arrested and beaten, and opposition media are blocked from airing across the country.

"In the past, the police and authorities respected freedom of assembly, today they suppress it, beating and abusing protesters, and regularly using water cannons, batons and rubber bullets. And whereas for the past four years there have been no allegations of torture in places of detention, today there are again allegations of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment," Hamid said.

"Most egregiously, President Waheed is violating fundamental democratic rights. By refusing to call elections, he is violating the hard-won right of all Maldivians to elect their own government, preferring instead to delude himself that he has a democratic mandate because he was previously an unknown and unpopular vice-president. His Government is also rolling back the right to life - arguing in favour of removing our long-standing moratorium on the death penalty."

MDP Welcomes Criticism of the Government at UN Human Rights Council

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:20:00 +0000

Dr. Waheed’s administration was today attacked by human rights NGOs during a dialogue at the Human Rights Council with the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression. The dialogue focused on freedom of expression on the internet, with the Special Rapporteur condemning attacks on journalists and bloggers in several Islamic States. The NGOs used the dialogue to highlight the growing intolerance in the Maldives and the failure of the Government to respond. They also expressed concern at the role of Islamic extremists in "the military-backed coup d'etat in February this year".

Responding to the Special Rapporteur, NGOs led by the Center for Inquiry and the International Humanist and Ethical Union highlighted the recent attack on Ismail 'Hilath' Rasheed in the Maldives. Mr. Rasheed "a blogger, journalist and free speech advocate was brutally attacked near his home on 4 June" said the NGOs. "His throat was slashed and he escaped death by millimeters".

The NGOs strongly criticized Dr.Waheed and his administration for creating a climate of intolerance and impunity for such crimes. "The Government of the Maldives has made no effort to arrest Rasheed's attackers despite credible photographic evidence of the attack". They concluded by warning the Council about the growing influence of extremists in the Maldives, which has recently become "significantly less tolerant". The increasing strength of such groups "culminated in a military-backed coup d'etat in February this year" they said.

Speaking in response, MDP's international spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor welcomed steps by international NGOs to draw attention to growing human rights abuses in the Maldives. "MDP condemns all attacks on advocates of human rights and free speech including Mr. Rasheed.

Maldivian Democratic Party Strongly Condemns Continued Intimidation by the Police

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:39:00 +0000

The Maldivian Democratic Party strongly condemns continued intimidation and harassment by the Maldives Police Services against those who are openly discussing the coup d’etat orchestrated by factions of the police and military that forced Maldives first democratically elected President to resign on 7 February 2012.

Member of Parliament and former chairperson of MDP, MsMariya Ahmed Didi was served summons for questioning by the Police in relation to an ongoing investigation late night on Tuesday, 19 June. The summon comes only a day after Ms. Didi released a report based on the “timeline of events” publicized by the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) on Dr. Mohamed Waheed’s involvement in the coup d’etat. She stated in her report that Dr. Waheed should face criminal charges for violating Article 30 of the Penal Code.

The Police summons of Parliamentarian Didi comes on the heels of the arrest of the Chief of Police Intelligence, Mohamed Hameed for allegedly providing information to an investigative report on the coup last week, thus establishing a clear and dangerous pattern of intimidation and harassment of peaceful, non-violent dissent by the sitting government and it’s security forces.

The MDP strongly believes this is a cowardly act to intimidate people who are willing to come forward and provide reliable information to the newly composed CoNI that has been mandated to conduct an inquiry into the transfer of power in February. “The Government arrested the head of the Police Intelligence last week alleging he provided information to a detail report on coup d’etat authored by Nasheed’s former Ministers. A day after MariyaDidi, in her capacity as a lawyer outlined the criminal charges against President Waheed, she is being summoned.” said Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, MDP’s spokesperson for international affairs.

Ghafoor added, “This is only intimidation and an attempt to stop any and all whistleblowers and peaceful dissenters. But, people of this country are committed to establish a democracy in the Maldives. Maldivians will not tolerate such intimidation and will continue our protests, reports and coming out with the evidence on the coup.”

Democracy in Question in the Maldives: President Mohamed Nasheed Speaks in Washington, D.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:45:00 +0000

June 19, 2012, New York, NY — Former President Mohamed Nasheed of the Republic of Maldives will speak at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) on June 25 at 1:00pm, 2301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. President Nasheed was the first democratically elected president of the Maldives, but was deposed four months ago by what has been described as an armed contingent. Before his election in 2008, Nasheed led the nonviolent democratic opposition against Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled the country for 30 years.

After his election, Nasheed quickly became known globally for his championing of action on climate change. His first year in office as the country’s first democratically elected president is chronicled in the documentary, “The Island President,” now in theaters and on iTunes. The unsettling developments in the Maldives come at a critical time of other major transitions in the Islamic world. Nasheed will discuss these recent events and his perspective on political transitions and nonviolent resistance in the Middle East and North Africa.

Join us on June 25 for an engaging conversation with Nasheed on nonviolent action, democracy and climate change, and to watch an excerpt of “The Island President.” Co-hosted by the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, Dr. Peter Ackerman will lead a discussion with the former president.

Media RSVP only: RSVP@jmpverdant.com

Speakers

President Mohamed Nasheed, (Discussion) Former President of the Maldives
Richard H. Solomon, (Introductory Remarks) President, USIP
Peter Ackerman, (Discussion) Founding chair, International Center on Nonviolent Conflict

Start Time: June 25, 2012 - 1:00pm
End Time: June 25, 2012 - 2:30pm

Location:
U.S. Institute of Peace Headquarters, 2301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

Media Inquiries:
USIP Media Contact: Allison Sturma, Press Secretary, United States Institute of Peace, asturma@usip.org

President Mohamed Nasheed Media Contact: Julia Pacetti, President, JMP Verdant, julia@jmpverdant.com

Maldivian Democratic Party Expresses Grave Concern Over Threats by Maldives National Defense Forces

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:19:00 +0000

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is gravely concerned by Maldives National Defense Force’s (MDNF) aggressive and authoritarian threats, reminiscent of the former dictatorship, to a recent report chronicling the events that led to resignation of President Nasheed under duress on 7 February after a coup d’etat orchestrated by factions of the military and police forces.

The report, prepared by Mr. Ameen Faisal, former National Security Advisor, and Mr. Mohamed Aslam, former Minister of Housing and Environment, was published on 9^th June 2012. Just prior to the publication of this report, the initial members of the preliminary Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), who were hand-selected by sitting President Dr. Waheed, publicized their own findings on 6^th June in the form of a timeline of events that led to the transfer of power. This timeline was published despite an agreement between the Commonwealth and the current administration to suspend all work until an impartial and independent Commission could be established. The MDP maintains that this unauthorized timeline issued by Dr. Waheed’s supporters within the CoNI is incomplete and lacking in truth.

The report was compiled with information provided by respected individuals within the security forces, senior politicians and others who witnessed events of 7 February. Unlike the inadequate timeline of events published by Dr. Waheed’s supporters within the CoNI, the report provides a fully detailed account of events that led to the coup and the resignation of President Nasheed under duress, probing the involvement of both police and MNDF forces at the highest levels.

Immediately following the publication of the MDP report, the MNDF issued a statement threatening to “take any necessary action” and the President’s Office characterized it “illegal and an act of terrorism.” Furthermore, the current Minister of Defense, Mr. Mohamed Nazim, who is widely believed to be the perpetrator of the coup, threatened to press defamation charges against the authors of the report.

MDP Spokesperson for International Affairs, Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, states, “We believe the purpose of CoNI is to establish the truth. If the Maldivian National Defense Forces react in this manner it is very likely that the general public will be intimidated and will not co-operate with the CoNI. It is crucial that the administration refrain from using such cowardly tactics to obstruct freedom of information, intimidate and instill fear in the public.” Ghafoor continues, “The MNDF must know that times have changed. The people have witnessed everything. Perpetrators will be brought to justice and democracy will be re-established in the Maldives.”

MALDIVES GOVERNMENT MUST END USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE AGAINST DEMONSTRATORS

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:00:00 +0000

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

PUBLIC STATEMENT

AI index: ASA 29/002/2012

11 June 2012

Maldives government must end use of excessive force against demonstrators

Amnesty International is deeply concerned at the Maldives government’s continued repression of protestors, including beatings, pepper-spraying, and arrests. Those attacked include peaceful demonstrators, members of parliament, journalists and bystanders.

The organization condemns the excessive use of force by police personnel and urges the Maldives government to ensure a full and impartial investigation is conducted into such attacks. Amnesty International also calls on the United Nations and its member states, and the Commonwealth of Nations to continue to monitor the situation very closely and press the government to ensure people can fully realize their right to protest freely.

On 29 May Maldives police used excessive force against protesters in the capital of Malé. Demonstrators and some bystanders were kicked, beaten on their arms, head and hips with police batons and riot shields, and pepper-sprayed in the face. Those targeted had been protesting against the police dismantling of the nearby Usfasgandu rally site of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). At least one journalist, Ali Fahud from Raajje TV, covering the events was ill-treated and pepper sprayed by the police.

Malé has been the scene of regular protest rallies since the forced resignation of the former president Mohamed Nasheed of the MDP on 7 February 2012. His supporters have been protesting his ouster at the makeshift Usfasgandu rally site since 19 March, after police raided and dismantled their previous rally site in the Raalhugandu area on the outskirts of Malé.

The Maldives Police Force (MPS) has told Amnesty International that police “used the minimum required force to dismantle the area and arrest unruly demonstrators” and “deny the use of excessive force at the time of arrests and dismantling the area”.

Some media reported that at one point during the protest, objects were thrown at the police. However, it is clear that by far the majority of demonstrators were not using violence, and any such incidents cannot be used by police as an attempt to justify the ill-treatment of bystanders and those rallying peacefully. Amnesty International believes that the police response to the demonstrations on 29 May was a clear example of excessive use of force.

One woman protesting peacefully in Majeedee Magu Street told Amnesty International that police officers suddenly pushed into them, and hit her and other peaceful demonstrators with their riot shields. Police hit them repeatedly on their back, and then pepper-sprayed them, aiming at their face and eyes. She said that police grabbed one demonstrator by the neck, shouted at him to open his mouth, and sprayed directly into his mouth.

These latest reports of pepper-spraying by the Maldives security forces are consistent with many other testimonies Amnesty International has gathered previously. Amnesty International therefore urges all countries which have supplied or continue to supply pepper spray to the Maldives, to ensure that the security forces do not use them to commit human rights violations. Any country that knowingly supplies police or military equipment to a force that uses them to commit human rights violations is itself partly responsible for those violations.

Police also beat bystanders who showed no signs of violence. An eyewitness saw a man sitting on a stationary motorbike taking no active part in the demonstrations. Police went for him and hit him on his head with their batons. He lost consciousness. His friends took him to a nearby house where they arranged private medical treatment for him – they did not take him to hospital straight away as they were afraid he would be arrested.

Police sources have told Amnesty International that a total of 58 people were arrested and only a few remained in custody. Most of the detainees were released without charge.

Among the detainees was Mana Haleem, the wife a former minister in Mohamed Nasheed’s cabinet. She was walking home with her female friend in Majeedee Magu Street when police stopped them and began beating them repeatedly with their batons on their arms, back and hips before taking them in a van to the police station.

In her testimony Mana Haleem says: “I asked why we were being held, but received no answer. Later, they [police] told us it was because we had not obeyed their orders. We asked them how we could have disobeyed their orders if they had not given any, but they were not interested. I have bruises on my shoulder, my back and my hip.”

Imthiyaz Fahmy, a MDP member of parliament, told Amnesty International that he was standing peacefully at the rally site on 29 May when police came for him. He said he offered no resistance but police manhandled him and verbally abused him. He was detained, handcuffed and taken to Dhoonidhoo, an island detention centre close to Malé. He said he and other detainees were all handcuffed during the boat ride to the detention centre.

He said police in Dhoonidhoo told him he was arrested for “disrupting peace”. The next day, in court, police stated that he had been detained for “physically attacking a woman police officer”. The court nonetheless found no grounds for his detention and he was released without charge.

Several detainees told Amnesty International that they and others were told they must undergo a urine test to determine any drug use, although the police had at no time said that their arrest was drugs related.

Eyewitnesses told Amnesty International that when police eventually moved away from Usfasgandu, a group of angry men on motorbikes entered the area and began to vandalise and harass demonstrators. Nearby police took no action to stop them.

This is not the first time Maldives police have beaten peaceful demonstrators. It is high time the government enforced police accountably and stopped these human rights violations.

Amnesty International is calling on the government of Maldives to:

halt attacks on peaceful demonstrators including beating and pepper-spraying;

bring to justice any police personnel who have used excessive force;

ensure that security forces in the Maldives receive comprehensive training on what constitutes human rights violations, which they should not commit.

Amnesty International is also calling on countries supplying police or military equipment to Maldives to ensure they are not used to commit human rights violations.

Background

Official permission was issued by the Malé City Council to the opposition MDP to use Usfasgandu as their rally ground. They have been holding rallies on this site since 19 March.

The government tried to obtain a court order to terminate that permission but the court refused to issue that order. The government then sought a search order from the court on the grounds that the MDP site at Usfasgandu was being used for criminal activity.

As police were dismantling the Usfasgandu rally ground, the MDP went to the Civil Court and obtained an injunction against its dismantling. Police personnel nonetheless continued to dismantle the site saying they had not received the order. After they had almost finished dismantling the site, they said they had received the order and withdrew.

An unofficial English translation of the court order gives three reasons for the search: “Suspicion that the current tenants of Usfasgandu area, having installed containers for use as shelter for habitation, were committing crimes within the area, and were causing damage to passers by and transiting vehicles in adjoining areas, and were engaging in sorcery and witchcraft.”

There is no indication in the order that the police had the authority to dismantle the site of the rally.

Maldivian People Marks 4 Months of Disenfranchisement

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:23:00 +0000

Today marks the four-month anniversary of when Maldivians lost the most basic of their civil and political rights - the right to vote and to freely choose their own elected representatives.

On 7th February 2012, the Maldives' first democratically-elected government was marched away by elements of the police and army working under instructions of members of the country's former autocratic government, and was replaced by the puppet administration of Dr. Mohamed Waheed.

Today, Maldivians are governed by a President whose party has never received more than a handful of votes in any election and has no elected members in parliament, and a cabinet dominated by those Gayoom loyalists who lost the 2008 election.

"Today is the four month anniversary of when Maldivians were disenfranchised" said MDP spokesperson for international affairs Hamid Abdul Ghafoor. "It is the anniversary of when we lost our democrcy and began to be governed again by the old autocracy - people we voted out in 2008".

Government Making a Mockery of Political Party Talks – MDP

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:30:00 +0000

Last weekend's All-Party Talks at Bandos Island Resort demonstrate that the Government has no interest in finding a negotiated way forward or in responding to international calls for early elections, according to MDP's international spokesperson, Hamid Abdul Ghafoor. "MDP has been incredibly flexible during the talks so-far", he said, "however, pro-government parties clearly have no intention of seeing the talks succeed. First they repeatedly refused to sit down, finding ever more far-fetched reasons to suspend the talks. Now, with a six-point agenda finally agreed - and MDP agreeing to the Government's proposals for the order of the agenda - those same parties are using childish games and demands to ensure that the talks will never be concluded. This is a slap in the face of the Commonwealth, the EU and others which have pressed for talks leading to early polls".

During the talks at Bandos, facilitated by the UN, representatives of the ruling coalition made progress on point one of the agenda - namely, resolving current political tensions - impossible by presenting the MDP with a list of 30 demands, some of which were plainly farcical, some so oblique as to be apparently meaningless.

The former included:

1. Stop practicing black magic and sorcery

2. Stop conducting illicit activities in public parks after hoisting the party flag.

3. Not make noises that disturb pedestrians and drivers on the streets.

4. Not to keep animals in public areas.

5. Stop the use of sexual and erotic tools.

6. Not make ‘Musaafiruhaanaa’ (a type of bed used by crews to sleep on Maldivian vessels) in public areas

7. Not hang swings that obstruct pavements.

8. Not participate in protests in an intoxicated condition.

9. While coming and going from peaceful political rallies, not to walk in groups of more than 10

Oblique / vague / seemingly meaningless (and thus impossible to implement) demands included:

1. Not defame the country both domestically and locally

2. Not provide false information to the public over TV and radio

3. Not hold trials without submitting to the High Court

4. Not to mislead court actions

5. Stop interpreting laws on the streets

6. Stop calling out filth in public neighborhoods

7. Stop political party leaders making false statements

8. Not conduct business without proper authorisation from the authorities

"Such demands demonstrate that the Government has no intention of taking the talks seriously or of seeing them reach their conclusion" said the MDP's spokesperson. "They are going through the motions in order to placate members of the international community, but at the same time they are making a mockery of the process".

The MDP's representatives at the talks, former Tourism Minister DrMariyamZulfa, also made clear afterwards that the government parties behaviour during the talks betrayed their contempt for proceedings. She noted that throughout the talks, the pro-Government parties were adamant that "under no circumstances would there be early elections" - thus prejudging the agenda item on this point. She also noted that "there was a lot of mockery directed against the MDP".

MDP condemns the publication of one-sided report by CONI. Calls it a blatant attempt to conceal the truth by pre-empting an impartial inquiry

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:29:00 +0000

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) today condemned the publication of the report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) on the pretext of seeking public opinion on the work of the Commission. The MDP also takes note that this is a version of events that has been issued before President Nasheed or any MDP member has been able to give their testimonies to a Commission that has been reconstituted according to CMAG’s recommendation.

The CoNI today published on their website a 44-page report calling it a timeline of events covering 14 January to 7 February, and inviting public comments on the report.

MDP Spokesperson Hamid Abdul Gafoor described the publication as incomplete, biased and a blatant attempt to conceal the truth by pre-empting the imminent impartial inquiry.

“It is unacceptable that a committee that has been discredited by the civil society, members of the public and the international community should proceed to make public its findings, ahead of the commencement of the work of a restructured commission,” said Hamid Abdul Gafoor. “It is incomplete, biased and reveals the malicious intent of the Commission,” he added.

The publication was made shortly after the government announced that it would change the composition of the CONI to include a nominee by President Nasheed as well as appoint as co-chair a judge from a Commonwealth member country.

The agreement for a restructured Commission was brokered by Sir Donald Mackinnon, the Special Envoy of the Commonwealth just two days ago.

“The publication of the findings of the CONI is blatant attempt by the government to pervert the course of justice. This is in flagrant disregard for the appeals of the international community, including the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group which had demanded that the composition of the Committee be changed to make it impartial, independent, credible and more broadly acceptable,” added Hamid Abdul Gafoor.

He further said:

“This conduct by the current Commission is further confirmation that the real mandate of this Commission is to conceal the truth and absolve the perpetrators of the coup from guilt.”

The Maldivian Democratic Party remains steadfast in its commitment to restore democracy.

Statement on Maldives by Commonwealth Secretariat Spokesperson Richard Uku

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:27:00 +0000

We have noted the comments attributed in the media on 30 May 2012 to the Press Secretary of the President of Maldives regarding the nominee of former President Nasheed to the Commission of National Inquiry.

We would like to point out that the discussions between the Commonwealth Special Envoy, Rt Hon Sir Donald McKinnon, the Government of Maldives and former President Nasheed on the appointment of a representative of Mr Nasheed to the Commission are still ongoing. No nominee has as yet been agreed upon between these parties.

Sir Donald is continuing his efforts to facilitate agreement between the Government and former President Nasheed on a suitable nominee.

Commenting on the various media reports on the subject, Sir Donald said “It is imperative that confidentially is preserved while these sensitive discussions are ongoing in order to provide space for the parties to reach a desirable outcome.”

Government and Police Engage in Extrajudicial Violence and Intimidation

noreply@blogger.com (Dhivehi Observer) — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:20:00 +0000

Hundreds, including women, beaten and pepper sprayed; MPs illegally arrested

A day after the Government ignored a Criminal Court order denying the Government and police the authority to dismantle MDP's iconic Usfasgandu rally ground, the Government on Tuesday again showed its disdain for the law by completing the destruction of Usfasgandu and engaging in a spree of police brutality and unlawful arrests.

Earlier this week the Criminal Court refused a Government request to issue a court order for the forced dispersal of the protest camp which has been granted to the MDP by Male City Council. The next day, the Home Minister, Dr. Mohamed Jameel, claimed that he had suddenly received information about illegal activities at Usfasgandu and sent in the police to investigate alleged 'illegal activities' and alleged 'black magic' being performed in the area.

The police thus arrived and, contrary to the Criminal Court's instruction, and ignoring the fact that the Civil Court was also considering the issue, began to search and dismantle the camp, and to attack, intimidate and unlawfully unrest MDP supporters. A number of MDP MPs, including women MPs, who were monitoring developments were also attacked by the police who by now were acting more like paramilitary gangs than law enforcement officers.

In the ensuing trouble, hundreds of MDP supporters, including women and children, were beaten, pepper sprayed and baton charged. One MDP MP, ImthiyazFahmy, was arbitrarily arrested and kept in detention without access to family or lawyers. Over forty people were held illegally in detention. Many instances of police brutality and human rights violations committed against peaceful protesters have been reported.

Late in the day, the Civil Court ordered the police to stop its actions, and halt the dismantling of the protest camp. However, by this time, the out-of-control police had already finished its work, leaving only a few chairs and a flagpole. The police searches of the area, ordered by the Home Minister, found no illegal items.

Speaking of the continuing police brutality, MDP's spokesperson, Hamid Abdul Ghafoor said:

"Police brutality is becoming more blatant and widespread. They are acting with complete impunity against anyone associated with MDP, including women and law-makers. Gross human rights violations are taking place almost continuously.And yet the international community is silent. The UN publicly complained when one single judge was placed in detention. Yet they have said nothing about this horrific violence currently being perpetrated. The United States claims to be a champion of free speech and freedom of assembly, yet it its silence on these appalling crimes only serves to encourage the police to do more. The EU has also been disappointingly silent.

We urge these friends of the Maldives to use their influence to call at once for a halt to this barbarity".