Maldives Prisonsers of Conscience Naushad Zaki and Didi Must be Released Now

Naushad

Didi

Nisreen

Zaki

Fareed

Editorial
Maldives Prisoners of Conscience – Naushad, Zaki, Didi, Nisreen and Fareed must be free now

January 31, 2005

When we talk about reform and democracy, and when Gayyoom is claiming to be the champion of it all, the question that we need to ask is ‘why are there still prisoners of conscience in Maldives?’ In a society that is supposedly waking up to the 21^st century, these abuses of most basic rights to express ones views and being imprisoned for life for doing so really do not make sense to anyone but to Gayyoom.

The writers and associates of Sandhaanu have been behind bars for simply expressing their views in an online news magazine. Naushad Waheed is behind bars for apparently writing a letter to Amnesty International and Fareed for giving religious speeches.

There are rumours now in Maldives that Gayyoom is trying to negotiate and talk to dissidents in Male’ and abroad. Yes, nothing can be solved without discussions and without talking but it is essential that both sides get off to a good beginning. Before any meetings are setup or any discussions begin between the two sides, as a gesture of good intent, Gayyoom should really release these prisoners of conscience.

It is hard to believe that Gayyoom will introduce reform to Maldives and his continued effort to oppress the media is one of the very convincing evidence of his inability and dishonesty. The scepticism is well founded.

At a time of national distress from the tsunami and increased requirement for outside assistance to develop the country, Gayyoom should try harder to convince the people of Maldives that he means well for the nation. Many believe that the best thing he can do now for the nation is to leave power, step down and let the younger generation of politicians to deal with the problems of the country, starting from democratic reform to rebuilding the nation.

Just because Gayyoom announces a specific day to be the day of unity, people will not forget about the hardships they have gone through during the past 27 years. Children of these dissidents and their families will not forget the fact that even today their loved ones are in detention, for nothing more than expressing their conscience.

Wake up to the reality Gayyoom, this really is the 21^st century! And, most importantly match your words with action!