Thousands of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) supporters, led by former president Mohamed Nasheed, have taken to the streets this evening to oppose what they claimed was an illegitimate government established yesterday in a bloodless military coup.
The protests have spread across the country including the southern Atoll of Addu, where Mayor Abdulla Sodig has been beaten by protesters and taken to the Addu regional hospital. Hithadhoo police academy has also been set on fire, along with approximately 18 vehicles used for training purposes.
Minivan News has received rumours that 250 inmates at Maafushi jail have broken out of their cells and are rioting against the guards. Sources report that police are being deployed to the jail compound.
In Sri Lanka, demonstrations are being held outside of the Maldives Embassy. In the United Kingdom, Maldives High Commissioner Dr Farahanaz Faizal has resigned in protest.
The political chaos was triggered this afternoon after Nasheed rallied MDP supporters, declaring that his resignation had been under duress and called for the freshly-appointed Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan to step down and call for elections.
“Yes, I was forced to resign at gunpoint,” Mohamed Nasheed told foreign reporters after the rally. “There were guns all around me and they told me they wouldn’t hesitate to use them if I didn’t resign.”
Nasheed’s supporters then clashed with police and military forces near Republic Square, and were repeatedly tear gassed by the police. Dramatic footage of the crackdown has been shared on social media. More videos uploaded showed police kicking and beating protesters on the ground.
Amid the clashes, a group of opposition demonstrators infiltrated the crowds, attacking MDP supporters, according to witnesses.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed was reported among the injured, and received head injuries during the clashes. He was briefly taken under police custody before being released back into the crowd.
MDP’s former Chairperson Maria Ahmed Didi was also seen “dragged away by by her hair” – her whereabouts remain unknown – while MDP’s Chairperson Reeko Moosa Manik is in critical condition at ADK Hospital.
A Minivan News reporter was injured following what he described as a baton charge by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s ‘starforce’ officers.
“They were beating old women with batons,” he said. “It was just like the old days.”
Photos circulated on social media show heavily bloodstained protesters. There were unconfirmed reports that a woman had died, but the hospitals confirmed no deaths as of 9:00 Wednesday night.
Protests have meanwhile spread nationwide across the Maldives, including Addu City, with reports of islanders seizing police stations across the country.
A police spokesperson confirmed that protesters had been injured. He could not confirm the number of people arrested.
Several youth with head injuries were queued up for x-rays in the waiting area outside the reception area at IGMH.
One young woman who had gone to IGMH with her sister was being treated for a head wound. A gauze wrapped around her head was spotted with blood, and she claimed the wound was still bleeding as she went in for an X-ray.
“The police were just standing there and suddenly we were being beaten with batons and pepper spray was thrown in our face. They threw us to the ground and kept beating us,” she said.
Explaining that she, her sister and most women had joined the party’s “walk around Male” because they understood it was not a violent protest, the young woman said she had never seen indiscriminate beating of men and women on Male’ under Mohamed Nasheed’.
“It was just supposed to be a peaceful walk. That’s why we went, and why more women than usual went. But there was no warning of the attack, no announcements, we were all beaten even after we began retreating. My sister was almost trampled,” she said. “I just think it’s disgusting that the police could beat so many unarmed women.”
Meanwhile, MDP MP and parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih believed approximately 35 individuals had been admitted to IGMH, with one in the ICU. Hospital staff said several were in serious conditions.
Describing the confrontation, Solih said the group was 20 feet away from the police line, which was not blocked the road, when the police began spraying tear gas, pepper spray, and throwing stones. He believes there may have been individuals behind the police who were launching some of the projectiles, but could not say whether they were affiliated with any political party.
“We are now just trying to collect everyone and see who has been injured,” Solih said, adding “I think [they police] were using more force than was necessary today.”
Solih claimed ‘Reeko’ Moosa Manik was in serious condition with injuries to his stomach and back, while MP Mariya Didi was also seriously injured. Nasheed had been injured as well, but is being kept “in a secret location.” MPs Alhan Fahmy and Imthiyaz Fahmy, the party spokesperson, have been taken to jail, he added.
“I didn’t think Dr Waheed would do anything against civilians, I felt he would do something to protect them. But today I saw a totally different situation, and I am not so sure. I don’t think he has any control over the police and MNDF. They’re the ones running the government, Dr Waheed is just a puppet,” he elaborated.
MDP Party Member Omar Razak, Chairman of Works Corporation Limited, observed that the numbers of MDP supporters who turned out today to walk around Male’ trumped those who demonstrated on February 7 during the military coup.
“If we had the numbers yesterday that we had today we wouldn’t be in this situation,” he said, adding that the party members had been up all night with the protests on February 6. He said the party would continue to demonstrate. “They can’t keep doing this, beating people and sending them to the hospital every day.”
Riot squads arrived at IGMH around 6:15, but were replaced by MNDF forces at approximately 6:30. The situation was calm at 7:00pm, however the public was still gathered outside.
No deaths had been confirmed as of 8:00pm.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) was investigating the situation at IGMH at 6:45 pm.
The BBC’s Andrew North, who was covering the riots, reported “an ugly atmosphere in this tiny capital on the sea as darkness fell, with clashes continuing between Maldives security forces and supporters of the former president, Mohamed Nasheed.”
“We witnessed a baton charge by police on crowds gathered outside one of the main hospitals. People scattered as officers sprinted towards them, silhouetted against the lights of passing traffic.
“Inside the hospital, dozens of Mr Nasheed’s supporters are still being treated for injuries, following earlier scuffles in the main square. Among them is Reeko Moosa Maniku, chairman of Mr Nasheed’s Maldives Democratic Party – who was with the former president when the clashes broke out.
“A large head bandage and his shirt bloodied, he regained consciousness as we arrived. ‘The police said they would kill me’, he told us, as they beat me. Another MP was still unconscious in another ward.”
LIVE UPDATES – refresh this page:
7:15 – In a surreal moment, the state broadcaster was reporting on Disney’s financial profits as the protests took hold.
7:23 – Hospitals have been reported locked down and appointments cancelled.
7:29 – 50 people reported hospitalised. Police and army at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.
7:31 – Reports of police looting the MDP’s headquarters. MDP supporters have alleged that President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan does not have control of police.
7:37 – A Thimarafushi councilor has claimed that police on the island have sided with the islanders, after they approached the police station. 12 police reportedly work on the island.
7:43 – MDP MP ‘Reeko’ Moosa Manik is reported to be in intensive care in a “very critical” condition.
8:05 – MDP supporters on Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll are protesting against the police. Vehichles and police buidling smashed up, reported haveeru.
8:06 – Police station on Milandhoo in Shaviyani Atoll reportedly taken over by MDP supporters
8:07 – Police station on Velidhoo in Noonu Atoll reportedly taken over by MDP supporters. Seven policeman on duty exiled from the island on a boat, reports Haveeru.
8:08 – Chairman of the Police Integrity Commission Shahinda Ismail told Raajje TV that police had used excessive force. The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has also issued a statement expressing concern.
8:49 – Police released a statement announcing that the current protests have turned into a ‘violent act of terrorism’, citing that protesters are deliberately causing harm to the people and damaging public property, and vowed to take necessary measures to crack down the protesters.
9:02 – Windows at Vili Police Station in Maafanu ward have been smashed. A fight was taking place nearby between several civilians, with only a few police members involved, following the police raid on the MDP camp at approximately 7:45 pm, sources say.
9:03 – Minivan News has learned that Amnesty International will be dispatching a delegation to the Maldives following reports of senior MDP figures being detained.
9:06 – The UK High Commission has a team in the Maldives that called a meeting with all UK nationals this afternoon at a Male’ hotel. UK citizens present were registered. High Commissioner John Rankin expressed particular concern over the reported ‘no-travel’ list, which he said was believed to include several foreign nationals, including at least one UK citizen. He said President Dr Waheed Hassan had refuted knowledge of such a list, but had added that he would respect a court order if it was issued.
9:37 – British Prime Minister David Cameron has said responded to a question from UK MP David Amess, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group to the Maldives:
Amess: Does my right hon. Friend share my disappointment at the overthrow yesterday of the first democratically elected President of the Maldives in a coup d’état? Given our historical links with the islands, will the Government, by way of a message, do all they can to ensure that no violence results and that the democratic institutions remain?
Cameron: My hon. Friend is right. This country does have strong links with the Maldives and a good relationship with President Nasheed, but we have to be clear. President Nasheed has resigned, and we have a strong interest in the well-being of several thousand British tourists and in a stable and democratic Government in the Maldives. Our high commissioner is in the capital now and meeting all the political leaders. We call on the new Government to demonstrate their respect for the rights of all political parties and their members, and to ensure that the constitution is upheld. We advise British tourists to avoid non-essential travel to Malé island, and those using Malé airport and the tourist resorts should exercise caution.
10:01 – Police station, island court and atoll council office reported burnt down to ground by angry protesters in Thinadhoo (pop 6500) in Gaafu Dhaal Atoll.
10:02 – Police stations on Gan and Feydhoo in Addu Atoll (pop 35,000) set on fire. Fire continues to spread, after protesters smashed up fire rescue lorry.
10:03 – Police station and court reported taken over by protesters on Alifushi in Raa Atoll.
10:14 – Confirmed earlier reports that President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has appointed Dhivehi Gaumee Party (DQP) Deputy Leader Dr Ahmed Jameel Ahmed as Home Minister, and Mohamed Nazim from Maafanu Seenu Karankaage as Defence Minister . Both were sworn into the position at a ceremony held at the president office at 8:0opm tonight. Jameel was recently arrested by police under the Nasheed government on charges of hate speech. His party had published a pamphlet in Dhivehi entitled “President Nasheed’s devious plot to destroy the Islamic faith of Maldivians” (English translation).
10:27 – IGMH has confirmed no deaths as of 9:00pm this evening. ADK officials have confirmed to the media that 14 people were brought to the hospital with various injuries. Three have been hospitalised, including MDP Chairperson ‘Reeko’ Moosa Manik, while the rest have been released after treatment.
10:32 – Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called on Maldivian security forces to protect the country’s media “and to ensure that their rights are respected”, after reports that Nasheed’s opponents had “physically attacked at least one journalist and had threatened to kill another one.”
“After members of the police and army linked to the opposition staged a mutiny and forced the Nasheed to resign, members of the police also stormed the headquarters of the state TV station yesterday and took control,” RSF stated.
“We urge the new president, Mohamed Waheed Hassan, to take immediate steps to ensure the protection and the rights of all media workers, especially the journalists at the state TV station MNBC, who were expelled from their offices by the police,” Reporters Without Borders said.
“Undertakings must be given at once to defend freedom of information or else journalists are going to find themselves exposed to the same circumstances that prevailed before the country’s first democratic elections in 2008.”
After police and soldiers yesterday joined the opposition’s protests, they took control of MNBC – the Maldivian National Broadcasting Commission – and from there began broadcasting the opposition TV station VTV, which they then renamed Television Maldives (TVM), its name during the government of former dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
11:30 – Protesters in Addu have reportedly set fire to Hithadhoo police academy and 18 police vehicles. Mayor Abdulla Sodig has reportedly been beaten by protesters and taken to the Addu regional hospital.
11:31 – Several sources have claimed that 250 inmates at Maafushi jail have broken out of their cells and are rioting against the guards. Sources report that police are being deployed to the jail compound.
11:32 – In Sri Lanka, demonstrations are being held outside of the Maldives Embassy.
11:33 – In the United Kingdom, Maldives High Commissioner Dr Farahanaz Faizal has resigned: “My conscience wouldn’t allow me to serve a government which had overthrown a democratically elected government in a coup d’etat,” she said. Farah said she has been made the MDP spokesperson for the party in Europe, and intends to remain in the UK “for quite some time.”
“In the last elections, over 25 percent of the vote for Mohamed Nasheed was cast from those nationals residing in Europe,” she said.
11:34 – Maafushi Council has refuted claims that the prisoners have broken out. Minivan News understands that the attempted break out was quickly controlled by prison officers.
11:45 – Military and police have met with press, urging the public to maintain calm and end the vandalism and arson attacks on state and public property.
Brigadier General Ibrahim Didi, who commanded the mndf during yesterday’s events, refuted the claims military forced the president to quit by threatening to use force. He also said that the military never joined the protestors and it was incorrect information: “We never had any role in yesterday’s protest. We tried to protect. But the president voluntarily resigned. We didn’t force him to resign,” Didi said. “There is nobody among us who can put a gun to President Nasheed, and there was no plan to bring down the former president by using weapons. I say this with full guarantee.”
He insisted that the military had not participated in Tuesday’s alleged coup attempt, which saw police join opposition protesters and attack the capital’s military headquarters, and suggested that reporters “ask the police about it.”
12:12 – Police have confirmed that two policemen in Male’ were stabbed, between 9:30pm and 10:00pm, near ADK hospital. Both are reported to be in a stable condition and no suspects have been arrested.
12:24 – Former Assistant Police Commissioner Abdulla Riyaz, who was dismissed by the Nasheed government, has been reappointed as Police Commissioner. Riyaz had sued the government following his dismissal, and the civil court ruled that he had been unlawfully dismissed. He has reportedly been an active member of the opposition following his dismissal.
12:55 – The state broadcaster has shut down its broadcast for the evening as the political chaos continues. Social media remains extremely active.
1:05 – The coalition of opposition parties formed following the ‘December 23’ coalition to “defend Islam” have called on its supporters to come out to protect the state and public property. The opposition DRP has also condemned the MDP for instigating the protests, to end the rule of the “lawfully appointed” President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan.
1:15 – Minivan News understands that Mohamed Nasheed is safe with party supporters.
1:16 – The MDP is trying to get its Chairperson ‘Reeko’Moosa Manik out of the country for urgent medical treatment. However immigration authorities are reportedly refusing to allow him to leave as he is on a “travel blacklist” issued by the courts, MDP sources report.
1.19 – According to the former State Minister of Tourism, yesterday “the entire pre-Islamic collection at the National Museum was destroyed by a group who broke in. The incident has not been reported in any media so far. Apparently, the scene was photographed but the museum is under police control now and they are not giving information to anyone.”
2:11 – Amnesty International has issued a statement demanding that Maldives security forces “stop using violence against supporters of Mohamed Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party, a day after he was forced to resign the presidency under the threat of violence by the military and police.”
“Eyewitnesses told Amnesty International that Nasheed and a large number of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members were marching peacefully through the streets of the capital Malé when police attacked them first and then failed to protect them from a violent counter demonstration.
“Some of the MDP demonstrators were cordoned off by the police in a narrow alley where a mob shouting anti-MDP slogans began to beat them. One eyewitness saw Nasheed’s face covered in blood. He was then seen to be rushed away. Later a video emerged on the internet showing the police arresting him.
“MDP chairperson, and Member of Parliament, Reeko Moosa was first attacked by the police and then a mob attacked him with broken glass bottles. Police reportedly did not stop them. He is in a critical condition from the injuries and is receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of the Indira Ghandi Memorial Hospital.
“At least five MDP members of parliament are detained at the Dhoonidhoo Detention Center. One of the detained MPs, Mariya Ahmed Didi, who had been released from police custody last night was attacked by the police as she was attending today’s demonstration.”
“We are extremely concerned about the latest developments in the Maldives,” said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific director. “The new authorities must ensure the right to freedom of expression and assembly and we want to see an investigation into the attack on Mohamed Nasheed and other protesters. Those responsible for the attack on demonstrators must be brought to justice.”
“MPs and others held in Dhoonidhoo Detention Center should have access to their family and lawyers, and they must receive adequate medical treatment and a thorough and independent investigation should be made into the reasons for their arrest,” added Zarifi. “They should be released unless the government can charge them with a cognizable criminal offense through a fair and impartial process.”
2:48 – Robert Blake, US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, is scheduled to arrive in the Maldives on Saturday.
Dramatic footage of the protest and crackdown on Wednesday afternoon:
Footage of police beating a protester filmed from a balcony:
Former President Mohamed Nasheed and former MDP Chairperson Mariya Ahmed Didi being dragged out of a shop by police on Wednesday afternoon:
Al Jazeera reports on the protest on Wednesday afternoon:
Scene in a Male’ hospital, Wednesday afternoon:
Riot police inside the MDP headquarters this afternoon:
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As I have commented elsewhere, I am not absolving Anni of any mistakes, firstly because I have never been his supporter. An admirer? Aye. A supporter? Nay!
I have always been a supporter of Dr. Waheed. Now he has proved a disappointment.
Anni made many mistakes, as any human would. No question about that.
Nevertheless, I have just one question to those claiming that Anni had to go because he molested our Constitution. Is getting him out unconstitutionally not a molestation of our Constitution? As far as I know, our Constitution outlines clear mechanisms of removing a president we are not happy with. The path we chose yesterday is not one of those mechanisms.
Do not bury your heads in the sand – what happened was a bloodless coup. Nothing less.
Two wrongs do not make a right. If indeed a majority of citizens wanted him to ship out, the demand should have been for immediate elections. Citizens select their leader through the ballot.
As for Dr. Waheed, you have really been a disappointment. If you knew how I held you in high esteem. If you knew how much I sold you to my family and even managed to covert some MDP diehards. If you knew how many of ‘me’ viewed you that way. If you knew….
But now do you really think you can ever convince objective citizens who are not blinded by sycophancy that you did not run with the hare and hunt with the hounds? If you have even a drop of wisdom, you would know that your ascent to presidency lacks any moral and ethical basis. If you do not call for elections ASAP, you will prove that you are not molded from clay any different from that molded those who tormented our nation for decades.
You have a chance to prove you are a true leader. You have a chance to show that you possess wisdom. You have a chance to prove that you are not a puppet, a stooge, of Gayoom and his apologists. You have a chance to win the heart of the whole world, let alone our nation. Call for elections and let the people decide. If you really are true in your word that you will uphold the constitution, call for elections and let the majority elect the leader they want – via the ballot.
So if Anni doesnt get protection, why should Maumoon get any?
“MPs and others held in Dhoonidhoo Detention Center should have access to their family and lawyers, and they must receive adequate medical treatment and a thorough and independent investigation should be made into the reasons for their arrest”
Where are the Courts and their judges now? Why are the judges not working through the night to free these MPs and citizens held in arbitrary detention? Why is there no outcry of this?
Jameel, the despicaple conniving, lying despot has been appointed Home Minister and this is his first round! He was so quick off the mark when the Police even merely took him for questioning only a week ago and got his mates in the Courts to free him in the middle of the night!
Waheed, you have really, established some "rule of law". I don't know where you learned those rules; care reading to us from your book of rules?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/opinion/in-the-maldives-strangled-democracy.html?_r=1&src=tp
As a foreign tourist I could limit my comments to asking some questions about my personal security, in case I would decide to visit Your wonderful country again, as someone already did.. but here we are witnessing something much more crucial than the safety of some people who just want to have fun and a sunbath in an atoll's luxury resort. Disregarding what it's happening in Malè would be a tipical, superficial behaviour. The main point is: frightening foreign tourism, with many cancellations already ongoing, would focus the world's attention on MDP's reasonable protest? Or will it perhaps only affect Maldives economy, increasing troubles? Wouldn't be better to collect forces and support, even foreign support, in order to drive this sort of "emergency government" to be obliged in short to arrange new elections as soon as possible? Hope to see no more blood spilled by maldivians from maldivians. So many sad images and videos on the web to stay cool and unconcerned, thinking about holidays.. Love to Maldives and all Maldivians from Italy.
First time I visit Maldives.They call this paradise?It was hell!!!I was waiting for my connection to a resort and I had lunch in Male.Police were running after people and beating them for no reason.I have never seen that before.I am arranging to fly back to Singapore ASAP.
President Nasheed was a dictator!! He arrested a chief judge of criminal court for 21 days and no justice served!! President Nasheed is dictator!! he is a brutal dictator! he is a power hungry dictator! He is a very corrupt person!! We don't care who rule next BUT NOT PRESIDENT NASHEED OR PREISDENT GAYOOM!!
Nars, you must not know the definition of demons...well lucky for you since the very demons are out on our streets wearing police uniforms and killing and beating our own citizens. The police and MNDF are like blood thirsty hounds and the new president is hiding in line with his character and the opposition leaders are controlling everything. Jameel and nazim's appointments prove that this government is going to rule with blood. These people who have hijacked our country today are alive because President Nasheed was a truly democratic President. Like today's President and people like Maumoon Gasim and yameen, president Nasheed didn't see a reason to degrade them and beat them and throw them into jail. So it happens Nars you are also a demon for justifying the brutality we are seeing in our country today. And brig didi must have not realised that how the events actually unfolded leading to President Nasheed's resignation, for him to say that all the protection was given to President Nasheed's government. Well can't blame him usually these people are like programmed robots and looks like this time a huge amount of cash did the programming! Shame on all police and MNDF.
Astagfirulahaldzim.......im exteremly sad to see this. do election as soon as possible. That is the best solution.
People are angry, they are not happy legally elected rulling party is sabotaged by monster whom they called as democracy.
what democracy, just see, MNBC is still hijacked in the name of TVM...
Ya Allah, Ya Rahman, Please save this country, amin
never seen this much brutality in Maldives. Nasheed is many things but not this inhumane... looks like there is no place for MDP in Maldives and it is so sad.
u better go out there and save your country... if not anni than who do you praise to be the next president... Maumoon?? Yamin?? Qasim or Omar?? based on facts we all know these four people and their allies are stated in minority... we will wait, and its upon us to vote the best in 2013.. today's events is just a simple example to let the people know, yeah,, still we are the majority in this tiny archipelago...
What go around come a around, Nasheed is receiving what he dished out previously.
Arresting judge without trial is as unconstitutional as ousted him.
Nasheed has no one to blame but himself for starting unconstitutional action.
Whether Anni is good or bad its the Malvian people who had elected him through democratic means for 5 year term and no matter that verdict should be respected.
Its disgrace for an Armed forces to place the gun on an democratically elected PRESIDENT and forced him to resign,Damn disgraceful.
http://maldivesdemocracymovement.com/
I'd urge all Maldivians and their friends who love this country to help bring back democracy once again to this nation.
We all should gather in this hour of need to help mobilise all that's necessary to bring back a democratically elected government. We should not rest until that task is complete. We can all help, financially or otherwise. Time to ask what you can do for your country! Time to get rid of the tyrants, once and for all!
@marie
Sister i hope you are not drunk.Anni was elected by people of Maldives through democratic means for a 5 year term and it should be respected no matter whatever your political ideology may be and also if the Judiciary is corrupt Like in the case of that Judge,What are the nation suppose to do?Either remove him or breed a country full of thugs and criminals.
@Asif on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 8:54 AM
Don't feed the trolls here Asif. There's no point. Just ignore them. They are here only for one purpose and I'll let you guess what that is. Ignoring them would be the best policy.
police were attacks on protesters were not right so is former president Nasheed's actions. Nasheed detained a senior judge. using the same police, Nasheed attacked opposition protesters.
one more thing there has been protests taking place in the Maldives for 22 Consecutive nights u didnt have live updates. why double standards.
Is it not funny that Highest courts of Maldives are not open in the middle of the night and no court orders are issued to free these MP's and innocent citizens who have been arrested or is it that only this can be done by our super lawyer Azima Schkoor in Abdulla Gazee's court house.
Do I look like one who can carry out a coup, That's unfair. haha, Yes you bloody freak Hassan Waheed, you look like one and you are one, last time when we elected you as a MP for Male' you sold you sole of the youth of Maldives, Now you damn Judas, Mark Anthony you are a traitor and terrorist, You should be tried for treason.
I condemned the act of police and at the same time former Dictator Nasheed is the instigator to yesterdays violence. He lead the crowd to bring down an elected governement just like what he did during Gayooms time.
I believe Dr Waheed has the ability to meet all party members at the round table unlike Nasheed who only let his party gangs choice.
Nasheed should be responsive rather than being offensive.
Waheed has no credibility to rule. At most he can urgently declare elections, under the supervision of UN Force.
Maldive has turned into a rouge nation, which such kind of idiot police force who pulls out guns to remove a president, and then use batons to bash up its own civilians. The best would be to bring Indian Army in Maldives, and let it allow to disarm these thugs. The Indian Peace Keeping Force shall monitor the election, as well as eshtablish a permanent base there.
The democratically elected president
Mohamed Nasheed is toppled by hefty bribes to junior police officers and
low-level military officers. This is confirmed because; the police officer
giving the interview is the leader of the mutiny. Acting Commissioner Abdulla
Fairooz is a one of notorious torturer of Maumoon Abdul Gayooms. The torture
area is located in the basement of the police headquarters in capital Male’. He
is believed to arbitrarily arrest people for minor offences like passing red
light and torture them for weeks striping them in naked, sexually abusing them
and keeping them wet in solitary confinement, Abu Ghraib style. Then send them
to notorious prison in Maafushi Island for more.
Gasim on VTV promoting his propaganda! What a laugh! He's even m
People have gotten used to being out in the streets.
Those who were doing nothing to do all day, finally have an excuse to pretend that they are doing something important.
Have some respect for your government institutions. The word Maldivian should mean something for all.
Just mindlessly fighting is going to lead nowhere, and all democratic progress is finishing as you burn your way back into the Caveman era.
How are you going to pay for fuel once the tourist traffic dries up?
Only when there is no more money for petrol in the cars and bikes in Male' will people realize what they are doing.
Calm down, get together, think about an achievable future together. There is still time to fix matters peacefully.
Gasim on VTV promoting his propaganda! What a laugh! He's even more stupid than I thought! He's talking about how the transition in 2008 was peaceful, well damn right, you moron, it was peaceful because it was a democratically elected government by the votes of the people of this country and u Gasim were a part of that government which you quickly resigned from when things wouldn't go your way! And here you are creating terror and spreading lies! Gasim it's a joke that you are talking about liquor bottles in President Nasheed's residence, when you are operating brothels! And are u saying that u don't drink? Haha! You must think we are all like your blind followers! Fact is you people didn't anticipate that there would be so many maldivians who would get angry and feel cheated and betrayed by the way you and your corrupt allies have overthrown a government we voted in! Well face it, we are not going to let a bunch of corrupt dictators ruin us anymore, 30 years was more than enough for us even if it's not for the corrupt cronies like Gasim! And you can hail the police and military as much as you like but fact remains that u have paid them off to betray this country! Shame on you Gasim, you talk about hell and Allah's wrath, well try and keep in mind that you too will face it for all your actions and that all your money won't be able to protect you then!
It is true that President Nasheed ushered in hope and democracy into the country.
However, as any entrepreneur knows, its easier to start a business than sustain it and grow it. Like wise Nasheed is good in bringing change but a total failure in sustaining change and managing it.
Now he is blaming everyone but himself. First it was Gayoom, then the Judiciary. Now he is blaming the security forces, of which he was the commander in chief.
A bad workman will always quarrels with his tools. The British should have taught him that.
All these are happening due to lack of discipline. In the schools students donot listen to the teachers and people do not listen to police or the gov. Now things have gone beyond redumption.Nobody respects anybody. All are selfish and useless. Now the pious peple will suffer ultimately.
... and we herewith declare the name to be changed into "Maldivistan" ...
Be careful that the US and NATO do not decide Maldives needs a regime change...
"Act of Terrorism says Police" What you have you done Mr. Policemen!!! its called TREASON.
I call on all the decent people of Maldives to bring Current President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Maniku,Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, his brother Yamin Abdul Gayoom, Gasim Ibrahim, to be tried for treason.
The first democratically elected
president, Mohamed Nasheed is honest patriotic president. He saved people of Maldives from a monster no
different to Hitler. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was a murderer and a thief. This
Egyptian trained terrorist was terrorizing the people of Maldives for 30 years.
If any one criticized his government, they will be arrested and jailed with out
trail. The paramilitary was given powers for arbitrary arrests and torture.
Mohamed Nasheed was jailed 27 times and badly beaten
Fully agree with Mr. GI.JOE
Mohamed nasheed and his lies will soon be exposed to the World and specially to factions in UK who have been hellbent on promoting him for the past 10 years..dont worry abt it....lying in the midst of the indian ocean this fragile nation has stood the test of time and protected its sovereignity independence and culture much better than its larger neighbours cox we were always ONE, binded by the strong ties of brotherhood peace and love prescribed in islam and were and are ONE family known as the MAlDIVES..nasheed's dividing and polarizing of the society will not last long as history has alwez proven...these are no coincidences and you can fool some people sometime but not all the people all the time!
I as a citizen of Maldives,do call so called President of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Maniku step down now. We don't respect you nor do we recognize you.
Please go back to your UN job. Your first day at office is good enough for us.
This pin head president Mr Mohamed Judas Waheed Mark Hassan Anthony Maniku has no legitimacy to rule us Maldivians. All Maldivian from all walks of life Please join hand to change the regime, plus court Martial the forces as well and clean up the judiciary.
Please do not believe the old political. They think only the money... Gasim want only to continue his business and want a new president (as Gayoom) for his economic interest.
Another is Jabir. He must many many million of dollar to the state but continue to open new resort. Why???
Maybe Nashees is not the best President but the others are worse..
Your travel toward democracy is long but stop the violence.These are not useful.
A good day from Italy
Dear Maldivians
We have gone back to 30 yrs again, where Maldives was once a dungeon torture chamber, democratically elected president Mr.Nasheed has now shown us what the future will look like, please stand up all Maldivians to free this country from torture and barbaric mentality of the Police and Military, if we don’t stop now this will bring up a dangerous blend to the society where everyone can buy power and money will rule this country, not the wish of the people. For sure History will repeat and now Police and Military is acting like the drug cartels in Mexico. The POWER is out of people’s hands now, its just a game of the rich belonging to Mohamed Waheed Hassan Maniku,Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, his brother Yamin Abdul Gayoom, Gasim Ibrahim and few others who owns 70% wealth of this country. So please clear your Minds from the 30yrs of BRAINWASHING and breath into development and transparency
Actions of Police and Military on the night before President Nasheed stepped down and what happened on the 7th clearly shows what really happened. And President Nasheed is right about being forced to resign.
The massacre at MDP jagaha, before Dr. Waheed took office and the events that followed after Dr. Waheed was sworn in and what happened after the press conference he gave after being sworn in says it all.
Haleem, are apparently right about you are right!
Who we have is a real fox in sheep skin! A puppet on strings who would love to move into MULEEAAGE and enjoy a little before he could never know what hit him!
Some peoples have seem to have polished their teeth to take a deeper bite off us! But it could happen only if Allah is willing!
Rogue elements within institutions who are supposed to uphold law and order seems to have tagged "SOLD" petty sums. As per the preachings of the many Sheikhs attached to this coalition, it is "Hell fire" they are feeding their families with! Allah forbid!
If this is JUSTICE and RULE OF LAW the government of the coalition partners is serving as they say; well, law of the jungle is clearly outnumbered and defeated!
why does media keep repeating that THE people is ONLY those who planned the coup? the then opposition?
they have always portrayed MDP members or others who supported Nasheed as something less than People of this country? why?
you saw the numbers yesterday and they are also voices of citizens of this very nation. This nation does not belong to Maumoon.
And i call all MDP members and supporters to restrain from violence and damaging property. yes we all are very upset at what happened, but if we are to bring this country forward we should be different from those we are trying to change!!!
I can't believe some of the crap i'm reading...like "EVERYBODY IN EUROPE IS TALKING ABOUT A COUP D’ETAT. YOU ARE LOOSING YOUR CREDIBILITY EVERY SECOND. CAL NOW FOR DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS OR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WILL DRAWBACK ALL THE HELP AND TOURISM WILL STOP. FOR GOD SAKE, STOP THE MASSACRE. STOP."
I suppose the Europeans didnt talk about it when their imperial powers where running around colonising most of the world in the past & now they dare to comment on what's happening here? It is easy to form an opinion from watching horrendously biased media coverage but the simple fact is that majority of the people are sick & tired of Nasheed & his cohorts ruling the country with disregard to the Constitution & general public. Good things mostly happen only to people affiliated with that Party.
The police & military protested to being repeatedly asked to do things against the Constitution. Nasheed first said he was resigning for national peace & because he didnt want bloodshed etc...then what did they do yesterday? Are the police & military supposed to stand back & let them vandalise & destroy this country? Is the only "lawful/rightful government" if its an MDP government? Are the Maldivians only MDP people? Are Nasheed, his fellow corrupt, self-serving philistine cohorts & all MDP supporters always pure & justified?
This is very much turning into a George Bush-fiasco..."you are either with us or against us", spreading fear & panic among civilians through biased & misleading Media...
Maybe getting a robotic army & police would solve all the problems.
@ Mr. Antonio (Spain), FYI, please find below the definition of "Massacre" from Oxford dictionary.
massacre (noun)
1. An indiscriminate and brutal slaughter of many people
2. informal a heavy defeat of a sporting team or contestant
verb [with object]
1. deliberately and brutally kill (many people)
______________
The military & police has so far not killed anyone & only fought back to defend when provoked...so how is this a Massacre?
Maybe you should also look up "ignorance" & "Bluff" too.
This whole blaming Dr.Waheed is now not right. Dr. Waheed is now a puppet put there at gun point by the Military.
He has no choice but to accept the post of President or face the consequences.
Yaasiru you are a idiot .. dictator gayoom forces are responsible for this .we all need to stand up against this , military bastards
President Nasheed is a dictator! He arrested Judge Abdulla even when UN, Commonwealth and other international partners told him to release him and then go in due process!! BUT HE IS TOO ARROGANT AND PROUD!! THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGH TO LOOSE AS MARIYA, REKKO, SARANGU NEEDS TO EAT THE PUBLIC MONEY!! THESE KIND OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN IN THE PREVIOUS DICTATORSHIP! PRESIDENT NASHEED IS DISTROYED BY MARIYA AND REKKO MOOSA!!
Ya, you are an imbecile. I have never seen Nasheed order the Police or MNDF either to beat or shoot any opposition member.
When all the rioting was going on against him, when Umar Naseer threatened to jump over the wall of Muliaage, he was still free.
What about when the demonstrators went to the President's Office? Did he get the Police to shoot them or beat them? NO.
This Judge is not a Judge but a JUG. He is not fit to sit on any bench. Let alone in a Court of Law. He is a disgrace to Maldives. I am not a member of MDP but I also will join them if they want to bring back democracy to Maldives like the majority of the Maldivians here.
Nasheed has been ousted in a military coup and all he is now asking for is an election now. What is wrong with democracy in Maldives? Or are you part of the corrupted regime who has organised this military coup?
Dr waheed does have a choice. he can resign and call for elections.
let the people decide who shall lead this country. Not the opposition and the military
Manik, pray tell us whether you were standing next to Nasheed when he was ordering the military to take action?
I'm no fan of Jameel, but why was Jameel alone arrested for defaming Nasheed & MDP government? Reeko, Musthafa, Mairya, Alhan, Ali Waheed & so on has publicly defamed & accused the opposition numerous times without proof, we have seen this from videos of their rallies & when they go on air...why weren't they arrested?
Why should there be a double-standard for MDP members? Corrupt self-serving members like Reeko, Mariya & Alhan has done whatever they want, whenever they want & said whatever they want regardless of law or basic human rights. Several cases against MDP activists were suppressed...i am a witness of one such case with 5 additional witnesses & proof & the case was suppressed. I even received threats...& yet you call this a "democracy"?
The Judge may be the next thing to Hitler & a disgrace, then why did Nasheed & MDP people create so much havoc over the death of Ewan Naseem, a drug-addict who defied islam & defiled Holy Quran? Wasn't he a disgrace to islam as well as Maldives? But even he deserves a fair trial & so do the Judge...where was his human rights when he was taken custody in the wee hrs of morning & hidden away for more than 3 weeks without any trial...
This reminds me a lot of Maumoon's regime that Nasheed & his comrades fought against & swore to change...I voted for Nasheed, because i thought he had the potential to build this country & bring a change for the better...but i now tremendously regret my voting.
So Mr. Manik, next time before calling someone an imbecile, maybe you should look at facts rather than biased media & "he said-she said" & try critical reasoning for a change.
Mr. Nasheed, during his tenure as a president of the Maldives, did everything to consolidate democratic set up. Remember, he had so many factors to look into. It was Gayyom's rule for 30 long years left the country into shambles. People of Maldives were not educated Politically and they knew only to throw stones and use box cutter knives. Given the situation, Nasheed tried hard since November 2008 to educate the people about democracy, rights and duties, etc. But the Civil Servants and the Judiciary who were benefited by the Gayooom's regime did not like the new changes and created much trouble to Nasheed. The opposition as well as MDP MPs too politically immature to do any good business in the Parliament. International community failed to educate the elected representatives and the people in general how to participate in a democratic set up and how to obey the constitution. Nasheed should have been allowed to complete his term in the office and the Civil Servants should have joined him in his effort of Nation Building. It is the religious extremists element in the Maldives did not like his policies. Hence the downfall.
Rememeber never will and never can the wrong doers succeed..You Brutal Police justice will be brought..GOD is there..
President Nasheed was elected with Majority..people of the Maldives selected him..Presidnt so far did whats right for the country..we want the Traitors like Judge Abdulla to be brought to justice..