MDP urges int'l community to safeguard democracy in Maldives

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) urges the international community to act swiftly in intervening to safeguard democratic and basic human rights of the Maldivian people.

"We call upon the international community and organisations to act swiftly to safeguard the basic rights of our people who are being suppressed by the iron hand of present President Abdul Gayoom." MDP's Founder and Chief Spokesman Mohamed Latheef told a media briefing at the Trans Asia on Monday evening.

He said already MDP activist and human rights defender Jennifer Latheef has been sentenced to ten years in jail in October for terrorism in a trial the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) labelled as "unfair". Jennifer is Latheef's daughter.

"Besides, there is an on going trial against MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) and he is not the only person in jail for outrageous charges of terrorism. He might also face a similar sentence." Latheef said unfairness and political motivation behind Jennifer's trial raises further doubts about President Gayoom's commitment to genuine democratic and judicial reforms. "She is there because President Gayoom wants me in jail."

He said a report by the delegation of four senior British barristers from UK headed by Sir Ivan Lawrance QC quite clearly shows that under current judicial arrangements Nasheed cannot receive a fair trial in accordance with international norms.

Latheef stressed that President Gayoom has failed to implement promised political reforms. "The continued harassment of the Opposition activists have further eroded the people's confidence and trust in the reform process. Urgent efforts are needed to build confidence and put the reform agenda back on track."

Latheef explained that owing to over two decades unchecked ruling, President Gayoom woks in his own way neglecting the democratic rights of the people.

"He has created a fear psychosis among the citizens and attempting to continue his ruling. He wants to remain in power any how."

He said MDP will launch a campaign to educate the international community and human rights organisations about the gross violation of basic rights of the Maldivian people by the administration of President Gayoom.

He said MDP is pleased to present a clear and robust set of proposals for reform. "These reflect our hope to engage constructively with the Government of Maldives to further the reform package proposed by President Gayoom in June 2004."

Among those proposals are immediate and unconditional release of Mohamed Nasheed, Jennifer Latheef and all political detainees, a time bound reform agenda that includes Constitutional and judicial reform, hold free and fair elections with a credible monitoring system in place and set up an all party monitoring system for Constitutional reforms and elections.

Responding to a question by the media, Latheef said MDP will never resort to violence. "Violence will never be an answer and we will not violate international regulations and we will not be violent. But there are frustrations among the people."

Member of Parliament for Male Ibrahim Ismail said the people are exhausted with the existing system. "What can the public do to face state sponsored terrorism. MDP activists are in custody at any given time and President Gayoom wants to destroy the MDP."

He said a majority of people are not tolerating President Gayoom. "Public protests are increasing against him. Whenever there is a Opposition or protest against the Government, the Security Forces come and arrest them. After a hearing at Kangaroo courts, they are sent to jail. This should be stooped and democracy should be restored."

Mohomed Shihab (MP for Male), Mohomed Didi (MP for Gnaviani Atoll), Dr. Waheed (Former UNICEF Representative), Ibrahim Zaki (former Secretary General of SAARC and former Minister) and Dr. Munavvar (former Attorney General of the Maldives) participated at the press briefing.