Assistant Controller of the Immigration Department Ibrahim Ashraf has reiterated the strict penalties for foreign nationals who engage in political protests whilst in the Maldives.
Police have begun an investigation, in conjunction with the immigration department, into suggestions that foreigners were involved in the protest that accompanied the opening of the Majlis on March 19. Minivan News was unable to contact the police for a comment on this investigation at the time of press.
Ashraf revealed that one of the suspects had already departed the country of his own accord.
Whilst being unaware of any specific instances of foreign involvement in the protests mentioned, MDP spokesman Hamid Abdul Ghafoor reaffirmed his party’s commitment to encompassing what he regards as global discontent into peaceful protests.
“We will be encouraging [foreign] participation. Out protests will go beyond borders. We are part of a global village and we have been violated. We will invite NGOs [to protest] and even tourists,” said Ghafoor.
“We want their voice with our cause. Peaceful protesters need to find a mechanism to lend their voice,” he continued.
Ashraf drew attention to the stipulations clearly detailed on the Immigration Department’s website which mentions the potential for immediate removal if foreigners are, “found participating in any unlawful activity or even the intention to participate or initiate an unlawful activity.” It also mentions penalties for those “suspected of disrupting the religious or political harmony.”
“Any foreigner on any sort of visa is not permitted to engage in political activity,” said Ashraf, “this is common for every country.”
Regarding the “strict” measures referred to in other media reports, the Assistant Controller said that this can involve permanent deportation or simply removal without deportation, depending on the gravity of the offence.
When asked to respond to these legal issues regarding the participation of foreigners in politics, Ghafoor responded “we might have to reconsider these restrictive laws.”
German national Patrick Crilly was taken into police custody earlier this month after photographing the police attempting to disperse a protest outside the Bank of Maldives (BML) using high-powered hoses.
He later explained that his detention was supposedly on the grounds of refusing to obey a police order, although he denies being given one. Crilly, a medical intern on a visa run from Sri Lanka, was detained for two and a half hours before being released without charge. The police denied that he had been officially arrested.
In 2006, an individual identifying himself as Michael Lord-Castle and four associates were deported from the Maldives for life after suspected involvement in political activity.
His controversial security-cum-fraud-investigation group, Global Protection Committee (GPC), was spotted on the streets of Male’ during the build up to the Maldivian Democratic Party’s planned assembly for constitutional change.
Lord-Castle originally signed a statement saying he had been invited by the MDP, a fact he later denied.
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Foreign involvement is not necessary in protests...It may be a danger to their security...What if the police kills a foreginer during a protest? Anything may happen when the police are running the country.
If tourist can visit a place and spend their money in that place and if that money is used by that country then these tourists are entitled to protest in that country too!
Another reckless move that can backfire and bring problems to everyone.
and how do they determine that the foreigner is a participant or just an on looker?
The Coup Govt Never Thought it would end up like this. Certainly; they would have expected to control any opposition. That's why the Riot Cops And Rouge Army Personnel were in gear at the start. Now as months are progressing; and the protests haven't died down; they are beginning to worry. That is; What If A FOREIGNER IS KILLED? Then, THEY have to explain; and an international team will be arriving to see for themselves. So, the Hyenas into action now. Tourists are not going to come there if threats like this persist; isn't it?
THREATS; VIOLENCE; FRAUD; WHAT NEXT?
So for a country that depends on foreign visitors to get the income this means basically: we gladly take your money but you keep your mouth and eyes shut... ridiculous! Shame on these so called politicians! Another proof of absolutely no understanding of democracy. in democracies you have the right of freedom of speech... for everybody!
Yoga!! simple! if they are caught red handed in the action, that's it. Misty!! Most of the countries in this world do not allow foreigners to participate in the local demonstrations relating to internal affairs of that country. Open your eyes a bit wider and be matured a bit more.
The tourists will respect the wishes of the immigration department, and avoid Maldives altogether.
Have fun eating sand, baaghee sub-apes.
PS: Explain this.
http://i.imgur.com/7Hjzb.jpg
please guys! where in the world r tourists allowed to take part in political movements? the visa is given for a specific purpose and the person should respect the laws however small the country might be
Foreigners do not have the right to vote in this country. Further, they do not have the same rights as citizens. Any foreigner who participates in a protest is just exacerbating the situation. Unless the protest is regarding an issue concerning foreigners, there's no reason for them to be there.
“We will be encouraging [foreign] participation. Out protests will go beyond borders. We are part of a global village and we have been violated. We will invite NGOs [to protest] and even tourists,” said Ghafoor.
Hamid Abdul Gafoor Member of Parliament, Are you a law maker or a law breaker? Remind you go thru the immigration law and try and understand the definition "Social Visit Pass".
Hamid your circus act in the parliament opening session this year was a disgrace and shame to the Majlis and your voters and to this nation.
As long as visitors don't break local laws there is no ground for deportation. What dictatorial agenda is this now?
As long as visitors don't break local laws there is no ground for punishment. What dictatorial agenda is this now?
Suggest that Immigration Department investigate the acions of some of the foreigners in the UN offices before and after the 7th of February Coup. If the department finds that they had interferred in the politics of this country which broke social harmony then those people need to be deported too.
I suggest to Hamid Abdul Gafoor get hold of those 40 Somalians and one of them can carry you around so u could be seen in a crowd or you don t get stampede by crowd behind you.
Mr. Gahfoor. ' Do you think Tourists come here ( after spending thousands of dollars ) to protest for you? I don't think any sane Tourist will do that.
As long as police have taken over the Maldives, have suspended real democratic processes, and are violating the rights of all the citizens who protest, particularly female ones, by sexually harassing them in detention as Amnesty International reported, every person in the global village needs to be concerned to push for real open and fair elections and stop the bullying tactics of these police.
I have been to many western countries, and I haven't seen a single country which allows by law a tourist in their country to engage in political affairs of this country. So why can't these foreign pigs respect the same law when they are in the Maldives. Its as simple as that.
I have been to many western countries, and I haven’t seen a single country which allows by law a tourist in their country to engage in political affairs of their country. So why can’t these foreign pigs respect the same law when they are in the Maldives. Its as simple as that.
Yasir, I think that you are incorrect. Here in Canada foreigners have basically the same right to speak their mind and protest as citizens. Foreigners present only for a short visit will generally not have an interest in local politics or will not feel it appropriate to involve themselves, but there is no law against it and it is not incompatible with their visa status. It is not uncommon for foreign residents to protest Canadian policy toward their country or problems with their school and other things that directly affect them.
It is legal for non-citizens to belong to political parties. This means that they actually have a voice in the selection of provincial premiers and the Prime Minister since the leader of party that forms the government becomes premier or Prime Minister.
I think that you fill that this is the situation in the US and Western European countries as well.