Tag: national inquiry

Parents tell national inquiry of lack of access to education for children with disabilities

“For normal children, the government provides free books and free education – doesn’t a child with a disability have the same right?” asks a tearful Aishath Hussein.

One of hundreds of people giving testimony to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives’ (HRCM) “National Inquiry on Access to Education for Children with Disabilities” – Aishath is the primary caregiver for her eight-year-old autistic nephew.

She told the panel how she had to put her life on hold as she struggled to find a proper treatment and education for the him in the capital.

Fathmath Hussein, a mother to two autistic children aged thirteen and three-years-old, narrated the struggle she has gone through – describing under-resourced facilities and bureaucratic finger-pointing as her children struggle to claim their right to an education.

With state failure to provide necessary services, NGOs and private practices have taken up the responsibility, she told the inquiry – scheduled to finish today.

Private services are costly, however, with a single diagnostic assessment costing MVR5000 and an hour of therapy costing MVR500 – none of these services are covered by the ‘Aasandha’ universal health insurance program.

Fathimath explained how her elder son – who attended a standard international school abroad from grades 1- 3, studying thirteen subject and passing every single one of them with good grades – became isolated once the family returned to the Maldives.

The preschool currently attended by her younger son was said to have not only failed to provide him with any special attention, but according to Fathimath had not even provided basic services.

“I have seen other students pushing him around, poking him with pencils. But when I complain they say there are no trained teachers to take care of such children. He is very hyperactive,” she said, noting that at times teachers have made hurtful comments to him.

Shortly after Fathimath’s testimony, the parents of Yusuf – a child with partial hearing – explained how their hopes for his development were crushed by the unavailability of services.

“They cannot do a simple ABR test [Auditory Brainstem Response Test] here [in Maldives]. There is no speech therapy either,”  she was told by authorities.

Another parent was concerned about the absence of any official policy, procedure, or guideline on access to special education at schools which claim they do not have enough space.

The National Inquiry

The HRCM inquiry is an open investigation to identify systemic issues in access to education for children with disabilities which hopes to find solutions through the engagement of state, public, civil society and experts.

Through it the commission will review existing practices, policies, laws and identify difficulties faced by parents and ways in which the rights of such children are being violated.

According to the HRCM, statistic from 2009 indicate that, out of 2250 children with disabilities, only 230 were attending schools at the time.

Inquiry teams led by the commission have travelled to 22 islands across 12 atolls in recent months, collecting nearly five hundred statements from parents, teachers, council members, and other stakeholders.

“It is an opportunity for the government, other state institutions and the public public to learn about their hardships. It is about listening and accepting without judgment,” said Mohamed Shihab, who was on the inquiry panel as an expert from the education field.

These are not just official statements and information, said Shihab, these are first hand accounts of their lives and personal experiences – their stories and their struggles.

Who is listening?

As the public hearings continue in Malé, frustrated and aggrieved parents, one after another, continued to pour out their concerns before the inquiry panel.

Aishath Hussein explained how she had to put her life on hold as she was still struggling to find a proper treatment and education for her nephew, Saif, in the capital.

Saif was recently brought to Malé by his father’s family after he went through traumatic experiences with his mother’s family, often being tied and locked up as family struggled to deal with his hyperactivity.

They brought him to Malé with hopes of providing better care. As Saif’s primary caregiver Aishath has tried to enrol him in a special educational needs class, to get treatments provided by NGOs and private practices, and to obtain the speech therapy recommended by doctors.

All her efforts have so far been in vain, however, with all the services unavailable or full. Even a doctors appointment at IGMH would have to wait another two months said Aishath.

“None of this is easy. I am not asking the government to send a doctor to our home. But at least when we go there provide us with some service,” she told the panel before breaking into tears.

If education is a universal right, why cant children like his brother get an education, she asked the panel.

“If you conduct programs like this, it should be accompanied by action. What we want is action, we want the same opportunities as other children. We don’t want them to be set aside just because they are children with disabilities,” she said.

Acknowledging Aishath’s statement, panelist Shihab expressed regret that state institutions and other invitees were “too busy” to be present and listen to her grievances.

The commission invited, among others, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Gender, the City Council, MPs, MP-elects, the Maldives Police Service, the police commissioner, and senior members of these institutions.

None of these people or institutions have been represented at the hearings so far.

The public and media response to these open hearings was also weak, with HRCM Vice President Ahmed Tholal – an inquiry panelist – noting that people giving statements were discouraged by the absence of state institutions.

“The most important thing about this inquiry is sharing the voice of citizens directly with government and relevant authorities. They should at least listen. But now their concerns will be raised to the state through us,” he said.

In addition to other panelists, Tholal remarked that during their trips to atolls, council members, school management, the police, and other institutions were often present at the hearings – resulting in immediate action on some issues and discussion on others.

Systemic Issues

Concerns raised by hundreds of parents across the country were similar in many way, though – as with several other issues – things were worse for those living outside the capital and the other main islands.

At the Gaafaru public hearing a woman told the HRCM panel that her 12-year-old daughter, who has difficulties with hearing and speech, has been repeating classes as the school did not employ teaching methods appropriate for her.

Mariyam Liusha, a partially sighted nine-year-old from Kaashidhoo, is facing similar difficulties as her school has failed to provide her with larger prints of notes and exams, causing her to lose all interest in attending school.

As the Education Ministry policies do not allow special exams,  children with disabilities are made to the same exams as others, explained Easa Rasheed, a leading teacher at Kaashidhoo School.

“We don’t have the budget or trained personnel. Bringing someone [trained] from Malé would cost at the least travel expenses, which could go up to MVR15000. Our budget allocations are very specific, and it does not include such expenses,” he said.

To provide an example of difficulties faced by schools, Easa explained the case of a student with a walking disability who the school is finding “difficult to accommodate”.

Easa said that failing to include these pupils in the school system resulted in many children with mental disorders ending up in the Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo or in the Education and Training Center for Children in Maafushi.

“And those who grow up in the community become victims of harassment and bullying,” continued Easa, contending such attitudes have become part of the local culture.

In addition to public attitude towards children with disabilities, a lot of systemic issues were noticed during the inquiry.

“Children face incidents which would discourage them from attending schools and parents have to deal with extremely difficult procedures to get them into special education classes. Many parents are unaware of procedures to acquire the disability allowance. Children with mental disorders get labelled and are punished, making their conditions worse,” explained the HRCM’s Tholal.

HRCM Secretary General Shamun Hameed – also an inquiry panelist – said the biggest concern for him is the lack of a consolidated plan across the system.

“For instance, the Education Ministry has created SEN classes in some schools, but then doesn’t develop any further – and usually it is just a normal classroom. Lack of a [consolidated] plan makes all such efforts wasteful. Isolated action will be unsustainable,” Shamun said.

Results

Shamun assured that formulation of such a long-term master plan would be included in the inquiry’s final report. This, the end product of the inquiry, will highlight existing issues and propose recommendations for the state and other stakeholders.

A dedicated mechanism networked with civil society organisations – who also contributed to the inquiry- will then be established within the commission to monitor implementation of these recommendations.

According to Tholal, the HRCM will demand these be implemented through a publicised time-line with focused targets although some of the parents and observers at the hearings were skeptical of future action.

The commission on several occasions has accused the state of ignoring their recommendations, with panelists and concerned parents observing that state institutions are very defensive when approached concerning their failures, often choosing to play a “blame game” instead of taking responsibility.

One of the parents who spoke at the Malé public hearing said she did not have any faith in any state institution and did not expect them to take action.

“We as parents have proposed recommendations to state institutions so many times, but they never respond,” she said.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.

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Translation: former CNI’s timeline for events of January 16 to February 7

The following is an unofficial translation of the ‘timeline’ released by the three-member Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) into events that took place January 16 to February 7, prior to the commission’s recomposition following Commonwealth pressure. The credibility of the timeline has been challenged by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), who contested the panel’s impartiality prior to the re-composition and refused to participate. The panel conducted interviews with assorted non-MDP participants. The MDP on 10 June 2012 released its own reports on the events.

Translation originally appeared on DhivehiSitee. Republished with permission.

14 January 2012 to 6 February 2012

  1. On 15 January 2012 Criminal Court ordered the release of Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed after Maldives Police Service (MPS) failed to show court any legitimate reason for his arrest
  2. On 16 January 2012 Maldives Police Service summoned Judge Abdulla Mohamed
  3. On January 2012 Chief Judge lodged an appeal at High Court to cancel police summons. High Court ordered an injunction on the summons, until Court reaches a verdict on the appeal.
  4. With the injunction in place, Chief Judge did not arrive at the police station.
  5. The military entered Chief Judge’s home late in the night on 16 January 2012 and brought him under their protection
  6. Ten police officers met with the Police Commissioner on 17 January 2012 saying they were unhappy with unlawful orders being given to them by the government and senior police officers, making it difficult for them to act fairly towards political figures.
  7. Once Chief Judge was arrested, starting from 17 January 2012 , nightly demonstrations were held near the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) by members of the Opposition Coalition. Coalition protesters called for the release of Chief Judge and for the government to return to the Constitution
  8. President Nasheed met with police officers on 18 January 2012. It was a meeting held to reassure members of the police unhappy with the issue of Criminal Court Chief Judge that the arrest was not unlawful. Audio of what the President said during the meeting was leaked. The audio was leaked by the police.
  9. Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner continued to express dissatisfaction with reluctance among Specialist Operations (SO) police to control the protesters.
  10. Two commanders active in controlling protesters were transferred to Bodyguard Training. Three officers stationed in other parts of the country were put under the command of officers in charge of controlling protests.
  11. A team of Maldivian lawyers lodged a case at the International Criminal Court on 23 January 2012 regarding the arrest of the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court.
  12. President Nasheed met with the police on 26 January 2012. He repeated what he said when he met with them on 17 January. An audio recording of the meeting was also leaked
  13. Male’ City Council erected a corrugated iron fence near MMA on 29 January 2012 where the nightly demonstrations were being held, limiting the room for assembly in the area. Police released a statement saying protests were not allowed in the MMA area. They appealed to protesters not to demonstrate in the vicinity and to do so only in empty public spaces.
  14. Vice President met with some leaders of the [Opposition] Coalition on the night of 30 January 2012 at Hilaaleege, his residence. He was asked at the meeting whether he was prepared to carry out his legal responsibilities. He said he was ready to do so. Coalition leaders held a press conference after the meeting to announce their endorsement of the Vice President [for President].
  15. A policeman caught fire on 31 January 2012 when a fireball was thrown at the police during the protests near MMA.

    16. 1 February 2012

  16. 1 February 2012 Police dispersed the crowds as soon as protests began near MMA.
  17. Following Coalition discussions, protests began at Artificial Beach on 2 February 2012. At the protest, Adhaalath Party leader Imran Abdulla calls for police to arrest President Nasheed within five days [by 8 February].
  18. MDP protesters began a demonstration at Artificial Beach on 4 February 2012 before Coalition began theirs. Coalition protests were held in front of the PPM (Progressive Party of Maldives) Meeting Hall on Boduthakurufaanu Magu.
  19. During protests on 5 February 2012 , Deputy Commissioner ordered SO Commander to remove the live-feed cable strung across Boduthakurufaanu Magu by VTV and DhiTV television stations. The order was not carried out on the basis that it was not a legitimate action without a court order.

    20. 6 February 2012

  20. Police Commissioner met with Assistant Police Commissioner Hussein Waheed and told him President Nasheed wishes him to resign as the manner in which he carries out his duties had resulted in a loss of confidence. Assistant Commissioner went home saying he would give his answer within three days.

    21. 6 February 2012 (Monday 19:00-20:00hrs)

  21. Police Special Operations (SO) forces came to a state of readiness at the Henveiru Stadium [a few hundred yards from the Artificial Beach] in anticipation of potential events related to protests.


    22. 21:00-22:00

  22. As on other nights, Coalition protests began at the Artificial Beach. MDP also began protests in the area.
  23. Two Police SO officers at the Henveiru Stadium went to the area to observe how protests were proceeding. Seeing the atmosphere was not good, police at the Henveiru Stadium went to the Artificial Beach
  24. As protesters on both sides exchanged verbal abuse, police strengthened security in the whole area. They separated protesters into two camps on either side of the stage at the Artificial Beach and inserted two police lines between them.
  25. Police also moved journalists covering the protests live behind the two police lines
  26. On the second consecutive night, SO refused to obey the Deputy Commissioner’s order to remove the broadcast cable being used by VTV and DhiTV to cover the protests saying it was an illegal order and could not be executed without a court order.

    27. 22:00-23:00

  27. At the protests Adhaalath Party announces that its National Council had unanimously decided President Nasheed was not a worthy leader and had declared their full support for Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik.
  28. It was also said at the protest that as President Nasheed had admitted in the international media to have acted against the Constitution, it was the President, the Home Minister and the Defence Minister that the police should arrest.

    29. 23:00-00:00

  29. Home Minister asked Police Commissioner to remove police from the area where protests were being held.
  30. Police Operations chief, dispatched to the scene of the protests by the Commissioner reported back that the atmosphere was not good
  31. When Home Minister asked the Commissioner to remove police from the protest area for a second time, Commissioner told the Minister the atmosphere was not good.
  32. President Nasheed called the Commissioner and ordered the police to be removed from the area
  33. Deputy Commissioner inspected the area on orders from the Commissioner and reported the atmosphere was not good
  34. President Nasheed called the Commissioner a second time and ordered him to remove the police from the area, saying confidence in the police has been lost
  35. As police had to be removed from the area, the Commissioner asked the Male’ Commander of the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) to have the military take over the area
  36. Commissioner ordered Deputy Commissioner and Special Operations head to remove police from the area
  37. Tactical Advisor of the Special Operations objected to removing police from the area. His reasons were that the atmosphere in the area was not good and protesters on both sides were in possession of implements that could be used for violence.
  38. On advice of the Tactical Advisor police refused to leave the area and said they would only leave on arrival of replacements.
  39. Suspending the ‘Journey of Justice’ meeting at the MDP Meeting Hall, a large number of them arrived at the Artificial Beach and joined the MDP protest.
  40. President Nasheed personally called three officers who were not a part of the Operations and ordered them to remove police from the area. These three officers arrived at the Artificial Beach and attempted to remove the police from the area.
  41. When the military officers asked the police to leave the area, the Police Commander said they would not leave unless replacements arrive. President Nasheed phoned the Deputy Commissioner to say he was not adequately carrying out his responsibilities, and asked him to stay at home.
  42. Without consulting with any other party, MNDF Male’ Area Commander decided to deploy the military to assist police operations at the Artificial Beach.
  43. A military platoon and a SWAT team arranged themselves in a line on Boduthakurufaanu Magu, west of the Artificial Beach, away from the protesters.
  44. On orders from the police commander all SO (Special Operations) officers left the Artificial Beach area and headed for the Republic Square.
  45. As the Commissioner’s conscience remained unconvinced that removing police from the area was the right decision, a letter of resignation was ordered. The letter was thus prepared and left on the Commissioner’s table.
  46. President Nasheed assured the [MNDF]Male’ Area Commander that none of the MDP protesters in the area would cause unrest and ordered him to move the military officers from the area [Artificial Beach] to the Headquarters.
  47. On receiving the order from President Nasheed to have his officers removed from the area, the Male’ Area Commander considered the situation and, seeing the atmosphere as uneasy, gave the order for them to move to the Saw Mill area instead of the HQ. He thought they may have to return to the Artificial Beach soon if they left.
  48. Once the military left, protesters on both sides started throwing stones and water bottles. Both sides exchanged dangerous assaults. Some protesters and journalists were injured during the attacks.
  49. On receiving news of the attacks, acting on orders of the Male’ Area Commander, the military returned to the Artificial Beach. They placed themselves between the two sides and controlled the unrest.
  50. When police, who were now at the Republic Square, received news of the violence at the Artificial Beach via police, ‘intelligence’ and the radio, SO police consulted among themselves and set out for the Artificial Beach in their vehicles without waiting for any further orders.
  51. Noise at the Republic Square [directly opposite the military HQ] became so loud, the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner as well as other officers inside the Conference Room ran downstairs.
  52. When they came down some of the vehicles had left the area. Deputy Commissioner and Operations Head tried to stop the remaining vehicles from leaving. The Deputy Commissioner stopped the last truck in the convoy and took away the keys. Some officers who had been in the truck headed to the Artificial Beach on foot. A few police officers stayed at the Republic Square.

    53. 7 February 2012 (00:00-01:00hrs)

  53. Coalition alleged on a live television programme that protesters on the two sides had been provoked into a confrontation in order to declare a state of emergency.
  54. Commissioner and an Assistant entered Bandaara Koshi
  55. MNDF Male’ Area Commander told the Ground Commander at the Artificial Beach that the police were arriving there for a confrontation with the military and ordered him to arrest the police.
  56. When police arrived at the scene they did not confront the military. They called on the protesters to leave the area.
  57. Coalition announced that it had finished their protests. However, a large number of Coalition protesters remained on the streets in the area.
  58. Some SOs who went to the Artificial Beach went to the MDP Meeting Hall and caused severe harm to people and property in the area.
  59. A military SWAT squad went to the MDP Meeting Hall area and began manning it
  60. Police returned to the Republic Square, and like all other nights, gathered to fall-in as is customary after Operations are over.
  61. Deputy Commissioner ordered SOs to fall-in on the helipad in the Republic Square. He also ordered the ‘Blues’ to go to the conference hall at the military headquarters.
  62. Police centres Bandaara Koshi and Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi had their alert sirens going.

    63. 01:00-02:00

  63. A large number of ‘Blues’ arrive at the Conference Hall on receiving the Deputy Commissioner’s order for the ‘Blues’ to do so.
  64. Six SO Commanders were separated from other officers on orders from the Deputy Commissioner. An officer not part of the command structure encouraged this.
  65. Senior police officers active at the Republic Square called the Commissioner and asked him to come there to meet with the officers present. Commissioner did not agree to the request.
  66. Police left Bandaara Koshi and cordoned off the ‘Green Zone’
  67. On request of the Commissioner, a Deputy Commissioner went inside Bandaara Koshi. The Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Defence Minister consulted and agreed to arrest the SO Commanders.
  68. Defence Minister ordered the military to arrest the police officers identified by the Deputy Commissioner
  69. A ten member squad of military officers left Bandaara Koshi to make the arrests.
  70. The SO Commanders who had been separated from the rest of the officers phoned their friends to say they were going to be arrested and taken to Dhoonidhoo [prison island].
  71. On hearing that SO police were to be arrested, ‘Blues’ in the Conference Hall came and joined them.
  72. At this point, [the] two former SO officers who had been transferred to bodyguard training and an officer from the Academy joined the police and began playing a lead role.
  73. The Commanders who had been isolated went and joined the police gathered on the helipad in the Republic Square.
  74. When the military arrived at the Republic Square to arrest some police officers, all the officers on the helipad stood up and came towards the military to object.
  75. Military ground commander notified Military Operations that making the arrests was difficult.
  76. Glass on the outside of the VTV building was smashed and the inside of the building was set on fire. VTV live feed was interrupted for a brief time.
  77. A large number of people belonging to Coalition gathered on the corner of Orchid Magu and Chandhani Magu to protect the Constitution.
  78. Police cordoned off the Republic Square to stop the public and journalists from entering it.
  79. As the number of police in the Republic Square increased, a military platoon on Ameer Ahmed Magu near Bandaara Koshi was coming to a state of readiness and put on gas masks. There were about 200 police officers at the Republic Square both in uniform and plainclothes.
  80. A meeting resumed at the MDP Meeting Hall. Some members of the MDP Parliamentary Group addressed the meeting.
  81. Police at the Republic Square were heard calling for the resignation of President Nasheed.
  82. The media reported that a large number of police officers had been arrested, numbering up to a 50 at the time. The media also reported that the MDP meeting had maintained it would not leave the Meeting Hall until justice had been established, and also that it had called for a state of emergency to be established.

    83. 02:00-03:00

  83. One of the three police officers highly active on the Republic Square began issuing orders to the police with a megaphone. He commanded all police officers at the Republic Square to remain united as one.
  84. A Deputy Commissioner appealed to the police to leave the area voluntarily instead of waiting for the military to remove them. However, the police did not heed the Deputy Commissioner’s advice. When he moved away, the police officers in the area demanded that he promise not to issue any illegal orders. But the Deputy Commissioner responded in a manner that implied that he could not make a false promise.
  85. Coalition protesters began braking the temporary fence erected around the MMA area by the Male’ City Council.
  86. The military ground commanders who had stated that it was difficult to make the police arrests were taken to the Operations Rooms and asked to meet with Generals and senior officers. The Defence Minister presided over this meeting.
  87. Military ground commanders reiterated at the meeting that making the arrests were difficult. The reason given was that when the ‘force ratio’ needed in such an operation was considered, the police far out numbered the military and had the same weapons as the military.
  88. When some senior military officers proposed negotiating with the police, it was approved at the meeting.
  89. Police behind cordons fired gas canisters at Coalition protesters gathered near Reef Side [shop].
  90. Vice President speaking via the media at his residence in Hilaaleege called on the military and the police not to obey any illegal orders.
    “Yes! It is also my duty to say something at a time of such national crisis. I support the peaceful activities of the many to protect the country’s constitution and its faith. It is important at this time that all Maldivian institutions especially those of law enforcement to protect and maintain the Constitution and laws. I call upon everyone not to obey an illegal order. In this sorrowful time, I also call upon the Maldivian security services not to leave room for those seeking to dissolve our security and not to allow any harm to be caused to people and their property, especially the media. It saddens me very much that VTV and other places have been damaged tonight. I call upon those who cause such damage to refrain from doing so. I also assure you that I will do everything I can as the Vice President of this country to free us from this dangerous and tragic time. May Allah return our country to a peaceful and secure state. Amen.”
  91. Media reported that it has been said at the MDP Haruge that President Nasheed is in good health.
  92. A large number of Coalition members were gathering near the MMA. Police had cordoned off the area and banned the public from entering it.
  93. The military got ready to disperse the police at the Republic Square. As a first step, a military officers team was sent to negotiate with the police.
  94. The military entered into discussions with about 10 police officers playing a lead role at the Republic Square.
  95. Police said they will only return to work again if the Commissioners guarantees they would not have to obey any illegal orders. Police also asked that no action be taken against the police officers who had partaken in the night’s activities.
  96. The military assured the police they had no intention of a confrontation between them.
  97. During the discussions the military requested police to go to Bandaara Koshi to meet with the Commissioner. The police, however, wanted it to be at the Shaheed Hussein Adam Building [main military headquarters].
  98. The police negotiation team entered Bandaara Koshi for further discussions with their senior officers which concluded in the decision should the police go to Iskandhar Koshi, the Commissioner would meet them. Negotiation team proposed it to the police once outside.
  99. Police arranged themselves in platoons ready to go to Iskandhar Koshi.
  100. When the police started towards Iskandhar Koshi military conveyed an order from the Home Minister that they should leave without weapons and all riot gear.
  101. One of the police officers playing a lead role at Republic Square addressed the police and offered the advice that no police officer should lay down their weapons.
  102. Police decided that since giving up their weapons and riot gear was a precondition for going to Iskandhar School, they would not go.
  103. Military negotiation team said if the condition was not met, they might have to charge.
  104. A military platoon in combat uniform arranged themselves on the eastern side of the Republic Square near the Big Flag.
  105. Although the police came to a state of readiness when the military platoons formed, some senior police officers were meeting with ground commanders and appealing for non-confrontation.
  106. Members of the public gathered at the Republic Square called for President Nasheed’s resignation.

    107. 03:00-04:00

  107. The vehicle for jamming mobile signals was near Mulee Aage [President’s official residence]. But the signal jammer in the vehicle had been broken a week previously.
  108. The news spread that the military had ordered that the police phone network be disconnected. But the police continued to call friends and others on their phones.
  109. In a phone interview with the media at 03:15 President Maumoon [President of what?] called on the police and military to obey the laws.
    “Yes the news I received. What I am hearing. I am very upset about who did this, and I condemn those who did it. This is private property Also it is a tragedy that Maldivian people’s possessions and lands are being damaged and set on fire. This is very wrong. What I can say is that I condemn this in the loudest voice. Something like this should not be done. I also make the appeal that nobody should do anything to damage anybody’s property or possessions or their lives or bodies. This is our nation. We should not destroy our country with our own hands. We all should obey the laws. Obey Islam. Everybody must according to law. Nobody is exempt. The government has to do the same. The military, the police, the public, parties, everybody should act according to the law. We should all be friendly and resolve this problem and take our country to a safe shore. I would like to say that. Do not set fire to anywhere. Do not do anything you will regret later. Everybody act in the ways that our glorious religion has instructed. Obey our Constitution. Respect our laws. Let’s all unite to save the country. That is what I want to say. What I must say is that it is because the government is acting against the law. Because things are being done against the Constitution and the laws. Especially this judge of the Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed was taken from his house in the middle of the night is a major atrocity. Something like that should not be done. I too believe that humans err. If somebody commits an offence, there are ways to deal with in law. The same for offences committed by judges. Therefore, it can be examined through these means. However, contrary to this, uprooting someone without notice while they are at home with their family and planting him elsewhere is a major crime. It is also condemned in religion. And it is condemned in our laws and international laws. It should not be done. I call for his immediate release. I call for his release and for the restoration of all his rights as a human being and as a citizen of the Maldives. I also call upon the government and the security forces to do everything according to the law and Constitution. I have to say what I already said before. To act according to our religion and our Constitution. Act according to the law. As you said, given that I am so far away from the events that are happening in the Maldives it is not easy for me to comment on anyone or anything in particular. Because I do not have the complete information. But, as a peace lover and a lover of all things good for the Maldives and its people and a lover of Maldivian development, I also call upon everyone to act in a way that will develop the country, resolve its conflicts, and bring prosperity to its people. I call upon everyone to refrain from doing anything that would harm someone’s life, property or body.”

    110. 04:00-05:00

  110. Police at the Republic Square were appealing to the public not to come into the area where they were stationed.
  111. More people kept coming to the MMA area. Coalition protesters took apart over half the fence erected in the area.
  112. When President Nasheed said he wanted to come to the military headquarters, the military began preparing for it. When the president said he was coming on foot, the Security Co-ordinator dispatched to escort him met the president on the Western corner of the Friday Mosque. In addition to bodyguards, MP for Dhaandhoo Area Mohamed Riyaz was with the president.
  113. When President Nasheed entered the main gates of Bandaara Koshi, he addressed some military officers gathered there and said police out there had mutinied and needed to be arrested. He then went inside and into the Defence Minister’s office.
  114. An additional military platoon came out and arranged themselves in front of the Shaheed Hussein Adam building on the east of the Republic Square.
  115. Military began to warn the police in the Republic Square to vacate the area. Police took up their shields and came to a state of readiness.
  116. The sunrise prayers were called at the time
  117. Coalition protesters brought down completely the fence erected near the MMA area.
  118. When they felled the fence, military fired gas canisters into the crowds to try and control them. But some of them entered the Republic Square. Police were warning the public to stand back.
  119. Police made it clear to the military they were ready for a confrontation. Police were warning the public to be calm and to leave the area.
  120. Some members of the police tried to calm down fellow officers.
  121. At the time MNDF Male’ Area Commander and two other senior officers were at the Square.
  122. The Officer in Charge of the Armoury ordered his subordinates not to handover the keys without his prior permission to anyone, no matter who gives the order.
  123. All bullets used in patrol were confiscated from all military officers on duty.

    124. 05:00-06:00

  124. A Minister asked one of the military officers at the gates to arrange for some MDP people coming towards Reef Side to be allowed into the republic Square through the police barricades. A senior officer in the Male’ Area Command said he would make the arrangements and went inside.
  125. The police cordons near MMA were moved forward past the MMA while police cordons near the Reef Side and Islamic Centre junction were moved back towards the Bandaara Koshi.
  126. A number of MDP activists armed with wooden planks and sharp implements arrived in a pick-up truck came through the Islamic Centre lane and entered the Republic Square to confront the police.
  127. Police and Coalition protesters confronted them and pushed them back.
  128. Police ordered the public not to enter into the confrontation between the police and the military. Police assured the public that nothing will go wrong.
  129. Police cordoned off the western side of Republic Square and pushed the public back.
  130. Members of the military carrying shields on the eastern side of the Square pushed back up to Jumhooree Hin’gun
  131. President Nasheed ordered the Commissioner to go to the Republic Square to meet with the police.
  132. It was announced at the Republic Square that the Commissioner will meet the police.
  133. Commissioner left the Bandaar Koshi and went into the Shaeedh Hussein building without meeting with the police.
  134. Police said they would not initiate a confrontation with the military. But said they were ready for a confrontation if the military were to initiate one.
  135. It was announced that the Commissioner would not meet the police in the Republic Square. He ordered the police to go to the Iskandhar Koshi if they wanted to meet him.
  136. Police arranged themselves in platoons with the police in riot gear at the front and they began to pray loudly. Verbal exchanges took place between senior police and military officers.
  137. Military officers who had come out to confront the police and were near the Shaheed Hussein Adam building retreated back into the Bandaara Koshi.
  138. President Nasheed met with the platoon that retreated into the Bandaara Koshi. He asked the commander if he had any reservations in carrying out the order to arrest the police. When he answered in the affirmative, the president replied it was all right for him to stand aside without participating in the Operations. Two other commanders said they too had reservations and stepped aside.
  139. The Minister arranged for a new ground commander.

    140. 06:00-07:00

  140. When the Coalition protests were going on at the MMA area, the police had cordoned off the Reef Side area and the Islamic Centre lane.
  141. Members of the public at the Republic Square provided the police with water and food.

    142. 07:00-08:00

  142. President Nasheed went for a walk inside Bandaara Koshi. He met and talked with about three groups of military persons during the walk.
  143. Suddenly, without consulting with the military, President Nasheed went to the Republic Square and began addressing the police. In addition to the bodyguards who accompanied him, Defence Minister and Chief of Defence Forces were with him. When he spoke, some MPs were also beside him.
    “I am still talking to the Maldivian police. I think you have done something wrong. I accept that given the way things happened you may not have properly realised what you were doing or where you were going. But, it is still my wish that you hand yourselves over to the police station or to the military. I assure you that I will not allow anything bad to happen to you.”
  144. Police refused to accept President Nasheed’s proposal to hand themselves over to the military.
  145. President Nasheed called over to him one of the policemen who he sent over to the military. When he called a second policeman, even though he came over, returned to sit with the police who had started protesting.
  146. When a policeman called for President Nasheed’s resignation, a senior police officer stopped him. When the president began returning to the military headquarters, the police shouted loudly.
  147. En route to the military headquarters, President Nasheed stopped to speak to two MPs where Ameer Ahmed Magu and Jumhooree Magu meet.
  148. Police called on the public to leave and for journalists to stay in a designated area.
  149. President Nasheed returned to the Bandaara Koshi and called many people on the phone.
  150. Some people affiliated with MDP gathered at the Reef Side, calling for traitors to be arrested.
  151. Police left the Republic Square to block all roads leading to the Republic Square.
  152. Police continued to demand that they not be given any unlawful orders. Police were also calling loudly for the public to refrain from joining in the conflict and to stay away from it.
  153. All police were ordered into Bandaara Koshi because President Nasheed wanted to meet with them. Even the police manning the cordons abandoned their posts when ordered into the meeting.
  154. Police entered Bandaara Koshi, removed their gear, and sat down in the area designated for religious sermons.
  155. Police arranged themselves into U-shape lines to the east of the helipad on Republic Square and began reciting their mission [azum] loudly.
  156. As the police were finishing their recital, a group of MDP protesters holding hands approached the police from the back. Police and Coalition protesters confronted them and dispersed them. Several MDP people and police were injured during the attempts to stop the confrontation. Rumours spread among the police that one of their members had been stabbed in the neck with steel rod.
  157. President Nasheed watching the scene from the second floor of Bandaara Koshi came running down, crossed the main gate area and stood on the sports verandah. From there he returned to the main gate area, and on the way stopped at the Officers’ Mess Room and looked inside.
  158. When the noise outside the main gate area of Bandaar Koshi became very loud, members of the military who were waiting to meet with the president ran towards the main gate assuming that people were trying to force their way into the military headquarters.
  159. When the military who were running towards the gate realised that nobody was trying to force their way in, they returned to the building without venturing out. Those who did go out arranged themselves in a line across Ameer Ahmed Magu.
  160. Standing inside the main gates of Bandaara Koshi, President Nasheed kept ordering the military to go out and confront the police. Some ministers and an MP with the president kept repeating his orders. Some military personnel, who had gone out without their gear kept returning inside to collect it.

    161. 08:00-09:00

  161. Police approached the military personnel standing across Jumhooree Hin’gun and asked them not to attack them. Some of the military who had come out of the building joined with the police.
  162. While members of the military who had come out began to engage in verbal exchanges with the police instead of preparing for a confrontation, a gas canister was thrown from behind the police near the gates of Bandaara Koshi.
  163. From here onwards police released a lot of gas. A large number of the military and public at Republic Square dispersed from the area as a result. The way the wind was blowing that day, all the gas travelled south towards Bandaar Koshi. Shortly afterwards, the police moved forward spraying tear gas as they approached. The police and the public threw at the military anything they could get their hands on. The confrontation on both sides was intense and the public, military and the police sustained varying degrees of injuries.
  164. Public and the police confronted the military and pushed them back as far as their main headquarters. As the military retreated, they were firing riot guns.
  165. Once most of the military on retreat had entered the headquarters, the main gates were shut. Some members of the military could not get in and had to remain outside.
  166. Police and public were throwing bottles and various other things in the whole area. Chairs and various other household equipment were also thrown onto the streets and into the Bandaara Koshi from within the building.
  167. Windows on the first floor of the military headquarters were opened and shields were distributed to military personnel and the public.
  168. All areas near the Republic Square were brought under police control. The area was under the supervision of the police and the public.
  169. President Nasheed’s wife and two children were moved from Mulee Aage to a safe area by her security detail on her request.

    170. 09:00-10:00

  170. Cabinet Secretariat notified all cabinet members via SMS, except Vice President, that the cabinet meeting was on that day. Although the Vice President’s secretariat was aware of the meeting, Dr Waheed did not receive the message. Two senior members of the Vice President’s secretariat did not report for work that day.
  171. En route to the cabinet meeting, president of MDP Ibrahim Didi (Dr Didi) called the president on the phone and discussed how to bring about a resolution to the political turmoil. Dr Didi’s proposal was to talk to all the main political parties and issue a joint statement. President Nasheed agreed to the suggestion.
  172. Dr Didi contacted the leader of DRP [Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party] on the phone and asked him for assistance in issuing a joint statement. Thasmeen replied that he cannot proceed without a sign to do so from President Nasheed.
  173. Parliamentary Leader of PPM Abdulla Yameen was also contacted. Yameen also replied that he could not proceed without a sign from President Nasheed himself. Dr Didi called President Nasheed and conveyed the message.
  174. Dr Didi met with those who attended the cabinet working session at the Izzuddheen Hall at President’s Office and told them discussions were underway, with guidance from President Nasheed, to issue a joint statement from all political parties.
  175. When some Ministers asked why President Nasheed was not present, and objected to such a discussion being chaired by Dr Didi in his absence, Chief of Staff at the President’s Office placed a conference call to the President. The call could be heard by everyone present.
  176. During the discussions between the president and the cabinet one Minister asked why Criminal Court Chief Judge had not been released as previously agreed. President Nasheed replied even that could not be accomplished. When another Minister asked him how he was and how things were at the military headquarters, he replied everything was fine at the headquarters and that he had just had a cup of tea and was lying down resting.
  177. Some ministers left the cabinet meeting then, saying the meeting could not go ahead without President Nasheed.
  178. When the session was over Dr Didi phoned President Nasheed again and asked his opinion on how to continue with the problem of the joint statement, the president told Didi to proceed in consultation with North Machchangolhi MP Mariya Didi and Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Salih (Ibu).
  179. Former Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdulla Riyaz and former Deputy Commissioner Mohamed Fayaz had a discussion on the phone from their respective homes about the events at Republic Square and decided to go to the Square. Fayaz had been on the phone with police officers at the Republic Square since the night before, gathering information. Riyza was calling Fayaz and getting updates from him.

    180. 10:00-11:00

  180. Mariya Ahmed Didi did not answer the phone, so Dr Didi rang Ibrahim Mohamed Salih who said he will respond after talking to President Nasheed.
  181. When he did not hear from Salih after a while, Dr Didi again phoned President Nasheed who told him that the Indian High Commissioner D.M.Mullay was attending to it and that he would be contacting Dr Didi
  182. High Commissioner Mullay phoned Dr Didi and asked him if he could come to the Indian High Commission (Athireege Aage)
  183. When Dr Didi arrived at the High Commission Abdulla Yameen was already there. Mullay said Ahmed Thasmeen Ali was also to attend the meeting. High Commissioner said he had called Thasmeen and he would make all the administrative arrangements for the meeting once he arrived.
  184. The main purpose of the meeting held at the High Commission was to speak with opposition leaders and secure a three day grace period for the government to try and resolve the conflict.
  185. When Abdulla Yameen questioned Dr Didi’s status at the meeting he said he was there as a representative of President Nasheed at his behest.
  186. Ibrahim Mohamed Salih phoned Yameen and said President Nasheed had decided to resign.
  187. Yameen told Dr Didi, who phoned the president for confirmation. Without giving him an answer, President Nasheed asked Dr Didi to hand the phone over to Yameen. In his conversation with Yameen, he said he had decided to resign and asked Yameen to arrange protection for him and his family. Yameen said he would do everything he can to do so.
  188. Yameen left saying there was no further need for the meeting as President Nasheed had decided to resign.
  189. At the police main headquarters, Shaheed Hussein Adam Building, the police flag was lowered completely and the national flag lowered to half-mast.
  190. The three police officers who had been active at the Artificial Beach area on 6 February 2012 were apprehended and detained within the police station.
  191. Military personnel who were at the gates of their headquarters waved at the police in celebration.
  192. A group of military personnel who wanted to join the police outside asked President Nasheed if the Male’ Area Commander would arrest them if they did so, the president ordered that they should not be arrested.
  193. The military personnel who came from Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi joined the police.
  194. The public and police at Republic Square called for President Nasheed’s resignation.
  195. When a military General advised the president that the only way to stop the police now was to use guns, Nasheed prohibited the use of guns under any circumstances.
  196. Police at the Republic Square warned that the military may open fire at them. They also warned the public to lie down if the military started firing.
  197. Former police officers Mohamed Fayaz and Abdulla Riyaz, with former military officer Mohamed Nazim, went to the main gates of the headquarters. Their wish was that the military did not fire into the police gathered at the Republic Square. The military demanded from them [the three men] to push back the police at the gates of their headquarters.
  198. Mohamed Fayaz spoke to the police gathered at the Republic Square and persuaded them to go back as far as the Shaheed Hussein Building and emptied the area near the gates of Bandaara Koshi.
  199. Fayaz appealed to the military very loudly not to use any lethal weapons. A military general asked Fayaz to get the police to renew their oath. Fayaz replied that it could not be done in such a situation.
  200. Fayaz proposed that the three branches of government discuss and find a resolution to the problem of the police gathered at the Republic Square. He made the proposal, while standing outside the gates of the headquarters, to the Chief of Defence Force and generals inside. With this proposal police made efforts to bring the Speaker of the Parliament and Chief Justice to the area.
  201. Fayaz went into the crowds gathered at the republic Square with a megaphone and addressed them to explain his proposal and to calm the crowd down.
  202. Police were unsuccessful in their attempts to bring the Speaker of the Parliament and Chief Justice to the area.
  203. A Chief Inspector at the main headquarters of the police was brought out to be sent home as a protective measure. However, when he refused, he was taken to Ghaazee Building. As he was being taken to a speedboat to carry him to Dhoonishoo [prison island], as a protective measure, police and members of the public attacked him.
  204. Deputy Commissioner and some senior officials were taken out of Male’ on police speedboats.

    205. 10:00-11:00

  205. Abdulla Riyaz and Mohamed Nazim entered Bandaara Koshi on invitation from Defence Minister. When Nazim entered the premises a large number of military personnel greeted him and celebrated.
  206. Riyaz and Nazim met with the Defence Minister. In addition to the Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Force, generals and Staff Officer were also present at the meeting.
  207. Media reports reported members of the public at the Republic Square as saying President Nasheed had been arrested.
  208. When Qaumee Party leader Dr Hassan Saeed received news that Indian military were arriving to help resolve the situation, he clarified the news from the Indian High Commission. Deputy leader of the Qaumee Party announced to the public at the Republic Square that Dr Hassan Saeed had received assurances from the Indian High Commission that Indian military will not be coming to the Maldives.
  209. Led by the Qaumee Party, two members of the public filed a case at the Supreme Court in relation to President Nasheed’s legal status.
  210. After Abdulla Riyaz and Nazim conducted their negotiations inside Bandaara Koshi, Nazim emerged to address the Republic Square. He said he had made two proposals.
    “Assalaam alaikum. I hope everybody is okay. Yes, I have just met with the Defence Minister and all high-ranking military personnel and made a proposal of ours. The proposal was that the President should resign without condition. And, after that, to transfer all powers to the Vice President. Our second condition was that the Commissioner of Police Ahmed Faseeh and both his deputies resign at once. We told them these are non-negotiable conditions. These are not things up for further discussion. We assure the beloved Maldivians, military and police who are with us that, God willing, these things will happen this way by the deadline we have set for 1:30 today. When I entered the military headquarters I was given a very happy scene. Everyone within the military lifted me up and very completely revealed their support for me. God willing, things will happen today as we want. I ask the military, police and people to patiently remain with us.”
  211. Some former police and military personnel were operating in the Republic Square.
  212. Police started patrolling different areas of Male’.
  213. Assistant Police Commissioner Hussein Waheed, who had previously been asked to resign, was brought back to the main police headquarters in a police van. When he arrived, he met with some of the political figures in the Coalition waiting there in anticipation of the arrival of Chief Judge of the Criminal Court in Male’.
  214. President Nasheed came down to the yard in the military headquarters and met with some military personnel of other ranks and asked their opinion on what he should do next. He addressed a particular person within the group, who replied that he should resign. President Nasheed replied that it was the response of only one person and asked if others in the group shared the opinion. They all lifted their arms up in agreement. Although Chief of Staff and military generals and other officers were present, they did not partake in the interaction.
  215. It was announced at the Republic Square that President Nasheed had decided to resign and that the resignation will be at the President’s Office in front of the media. Members of the public began to celebrate at the Republic Square when they heard the news.
  216. Nazim appealed to the people gathered not to harm the President on his way to the Office.
  217. President Nasheed wanted to walk to the Office to resign [only a few metres away] and even though he said nobody would harm him, the military was of the opinion that it would be risky and refused.
  218. Speaker of the Parliament released a statement regarding the unrest in Male’:
    “The Maldivian nation is currently facing a frightening and tragic situation. I appeal to all the people of the Maldives and to its institutions to wholly obey the Constitution and the laws of the land. I also call upon all the people and institutions not to engage in any unlawful activities under any circumstances. All citizens should remain friendly and calm, and give priority to peace. What we are seeing today is not something that anyone of us want to see on our beloved land. None of us want people to damage the life and property of others or the property of the state. We should always remember that we are people steadfast in our Islamic faith and call upon you to maintain our sense of brotherhood as instructed in the religion. My prayer is that this country will always remain safe and peaceful.”

    219. 12:00-01:00

  219. Chief Judge of the Criminal Court was brought to Male’ in a police speedboat.
  220. Media arrived for a press conference at the President’s Office on their invitation
  221. President Nasheed arrived at the President’s Office in a car. The military were around the car, maintaining security. But the street hit the car on the back a few times and a cigarette butt was thrown at the front of it. A large number of people from the general public were shouting loudly at the time. Some people were shouting filth.
  222. Nazim and Fayaz went into the President’s Office ahead of the car in which the President was travelling. Following behind the car were the President’s SPG, Chief of Defence Force and Military Operations Commander.
  223. When the car arrived at the President’s Office, the President went up the lift designated for him. With him were the Defence Minister, Security Co-ordinator and bodyguard.
  224. Before getting into the lift, President Nasheed instructed a member of staff to show Nazim, Fayaz and Abdulla Riyaz to a comfortable place.
  225. Off the lift, the President went to his room (Utheemu Room). He was alone.
  226. He then went to Siththimaavaa Maalam to meet with the cabinet. Normally, cabinet meetings are held at Izzuddheen Maalam.
  227. Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Minister of Education, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports, Minister of Economic Development, Minister of Home Affairs,
  228. Minister of Defence and National Security, Minister of Finance, Minister of Transport and Communication, Special Envoy to the President, Chief of Staff at the President’s Office, and Cabinet Secretary were in attendance.
  229. At the meeting the President said he had to resign and gave his reasons. He said under the circumstances he saw it best to resign.
  230. A Minister disagreed. Another suggested that he negotiates with the people gathered. And another proposed seeking external assistance. President Nasheed indicated that he did not see negotiations were possible given the situation at Republic Square, and said there was nothing else to do except resign.
  231. Having concluded the cabinet meeting, en route to Dharumavantha Maalam where the press conference was to be held, President Nasheed stopped at Ghaazee Maalam. The Cabinet Secretary and Chief of Staff accompanied him.
  232. While he was at the Ghaazee Maalam, Nazim, Fayaz and Riyaz also came in.
  233. Nazim told President Nasheed that Speaker of Parliament Abdulla Shahid had enquired after the resignation letter President Nasheed was sending to the Majlis.
  234. President Nasheed asked the Cabinet Secretary about the resignation letter who replied that it had not yet been prepared. The president asked him to bring a pen and paper. When the President’s official Letterhead paper and a pen were brought, President Nasheed wrote the resignation letter in his own hand and signed it. He was standing at a podium in the room.
  235. Having written the resignation letter President Nasheed went into Dharumavantha Maalam for the press conference. Nazim, Riyaz and Fayaz followed him into the room.
  236. President Nasheed announced his resignation himself, in the presence of the cabinet members, in front of the media, live, at 12:57 p.m.
    “Beloved citizens of the Maldives. I see that if I were to continue as President of the Maldives a lot of harm may befall Maldivians and the Maldives. Therefore, as of today, I am resigning from the post of the President of the Maldives. I have never wanted to rule by force. I came to this decision because, in my opinion, I sincerely believe, that if this government is to be maintained, it would require the use of extreme force and cause harm to a lot of citizens. Also, in my opinion, if attempts are to be made to maintain this government, it is very likely that the Maldives will become susceptible to foreign influences. I have always wished the best for Maldivians and will continue to do so in the future. I have made the decision today to resign for the benefit of Maldivians, with sincere respect and keeping in mind the high levels of support Maldivians have shown me. I hope that Maldivians will see a more prosperous tomorrow and I pray our lives will be good now and in the hereafter.”

    237. 13:00-14:00

  237. Abdulla Riyaz asked the Cabinet Secretary if the resignation letter President Nasheed wrote had been sent. When he replied that the letter was in Dispatch, Riyaz and Fayaz collected the letter from the Dispatch to take it to the Majlis. When Dispatch handed the letter over to Riyaz he was instructed to fill out a receipt and return it.
  238. Police Commissioner signed his resignation letter at the main police headquarters.
  239. After announcing his resignation, President Nasheed went up to the fifth floor of the President’s Office and met and greeted some members of staff.
  240. President Nasheed said he wanted to return to his official residence Mulee Aage on foot, and did so.
  241. Before he left, the military arranged a three-line strong cordon to reinforce security in the area.
  242. Riyaz and Nazim accompanied President Nasheed. Riyaz had the President’s resignation letter in his hand at the time.
  243. When President Nasheed went into Mulee Aage, Riyaz went to the main police headquarters and handed over the resignation letter to a police officer to take it to the Majlis. He also asked him to fill out the receipt and return it to the President’s Office once the letter had been received at the Majlis.
  244. Speaker of the Parliament received President Nasheed’s resignation letter at 13:43
  245. The police officer who delivered the letter to the Majlis returned to the main police headquarters with the receipt of delivery, which was then sent to the President’s Office.

    246. 14:00-15:00

  246. President Nasheed requested to go to his own home from the official residence of Mulee Aage. The Security Co-ordinator, via the Bodyguard, told President Nasheed to wait at Mulee Aage until security arrangements were put in place for him to make the move. The Co-ordinator made the request for time because he had not discussed with senior military officers and received the security clearance.
  247. Police revealed in the media that no senior officials of President Nasheed’s government were allowed to leave the country.

    248. 15:00-16:00

  248. Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik took the oath of office as President at the administrative office of the Majlis. The oath was administered by Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz Hussein in the presence of the Speaker of Majlis.
    “I do swear in the name of Almighty Allah that I will respect the religion of Islam, that I will uphold the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives and the fundamental rights of the Maldivian citizens, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of Maldives, and will discharge the duties and responsibilities of the office of President honestly and faithfully in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Maldives.”

    249. 18:00-19:00

  249. As he had repeatedly requested, arrangements were made for President Nasheed to return to Kenereege [his family home]. He left Mulee Aage through the southern gate and went to Kenereege accompanied by Security Co-ordinator, the military, and bodyguards.Inside MNBC One 7 February 2012, Tuesday
  250. MNBC One continued their transmissions throughout the night of 6 February 2012. In addition to showing the meeting being held at the MDP Haruge, some senior official’s in Nasheed’s administration were on, speaking in support of the government. In between, they also broadcast patriotic songs about the military.
  251. Coalition members at the Republic Square expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that none of the unrest there was being shown on MNBC One.

    252. 06:00-09:00

  252. Some political figures who support the government said, in a live programme shown on MNBC One, that President Nasheed was safe, and that the events involving the police were the work of a few. While this programme was being shown, the ticker at the bottom of the screen said: ‘Unsuccessful coup”.
  253. A large number of MDP activists were seen active near the MNBC One and the MDP Meeting Hall.

    254. 09:00-10:00

  254. After discussions among senior executives at MNBC One, to protect itself from potential attacks from a public dissatisfied with lack of proper information, and after discussions with senior VTV executives, a decision was made to broadcast a clean-feed from VTV.
  255. MNBC One was not providing sufficient information to the public, so Adhaalath Party’s Sheikh Imran Abdulla arrived at MNBC One to rectify the situation. He was sent away by MDP activists in the front yard of MNBC One.
  256. When Sheikh Imran was sent away from MNBC One he called a senior police officer at the Republic Square and asked them to send police over to MNBC One.
  257. When the live programmes on MNBC One was interrupted, Ali Waheed (Silverscene) [President Waheed’s brother] went over to MNBC One to check what was happening. When he was sent away from MNBC One by MDP activists in the yard, he lingered outside for a while and went home.

    258. 10:00-11:00

  258. When a police team arrived at MNBC One, some MDP activists started attacking them with stones and wooden planks. When this happened, the senior officer in the team phoned an officer at Republic Square and told him that MNBC One could not be approached without reinforcements.
  259. When police and military arrived at MNBC One in a truck, MDP activists attacked them.
  260. More police and military arrived at MNBC One, sprayed tear gas, and dispersed the MDP activists.
  261. MNBC One began broadcasting VTV live-feed of the events at Republic Square.
  262. Police and military were unsuccessful in their attempts to open the main gate of MNBC One, which was locked. They fired a riot gun at the gate but it did not open until after the lock was shaken about and broken.
  263. Some Coalition activists also entered MNBC One with the police and military.
  264. Police and military went to the MDP Meeting Hall and caused great destruction.
  265. Police entered the administration area of MNBC One, and led all members of staff there into Studio Three
  266. The military who accompanied the police MNBC One went into Studio Three and assured them that no staff was in danger, and told them to continue with their jobs. They also said that if any member of staff felt they were in danger, the military would ensure their safe passage home.
  267. Some MNBC One staff were taken home under military protection.
  268. Some members of the Maldives Broadcasting Commission were active within MNBC One.
  269. The name of MNBC One was changed to Television Maldives and it continued broadcasting with the TVM logo.
  270. Ali Waheed went to MNBC One a second time and waited in the yard. When he heard of President Nasheed’s resignation, he went into MNBC One to see how things were going.
  271. Once President Waheed took oath of office he instructed [Ali] Waheed to take over TV. He notified the staff, and did so.

    272. Inside the Police Headquarters (7 February, Tuesday 10:00-13:00)

  272. With the police gathering at Republic Square, senior police officers who felt the leadership of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners were not up to par, held a meeting. They discussed the most suitable person to temporarily take over police leadership. It was also said seeking the Commissioner’s opinion was a good idea and it was suggested he should be invited to the meeting.
  273. Two senior police officers met with Commissioner Faseeh. They questioned him about how he intended to deal with the situation. They also provided the information that President Nasheed was resigning. The Commissioner replied he had decided a long time ago to resign.
  274. The two officers informed the Commissioner they were meeting in the conference room and told him they would like him to attend. They returned to the meeting.
  275. The most senior officer present at the time, Assistant Commissioner Mohamed Sadiq, was proposed and supported as the person to take over the leadership temporarily. Sadiq, however, refused.
  276. When all other senior officers refused to take over, after a vote, it was decided that Chief Inspector Abdulla Fairoosh will take over as interim leader of the Maldives Police Service.
  277. As the meeting concluded, the Commissioner arrived and told them to serve without political influence and advised them to do everything right. He shook hands with the officers and returned to his office.
  278. It was announced at the Republic Square that Abdulla Fairoosh had been given leadership of the police.
  279. When senior police officers advised him that he should give a press conference and that he should be in official dress when he does so, Fairoosh went home to put it on.
  280. Inside the police headquarters he met with the media and went into the crowds gathered to announce he had taken over the police.
  281. On request of senior political figures of the Coalition, senior police officers met with them in a conference room on the fifth floor of the police headquarters. Police requested that political parties do not interfere with police business. They also requested that supporters of political figures be kept off the streets. While the meeting was going on, President Nasheed phoned the leader of DRP and told him of his intention to resign. The DRP leader conveyed the message to the meeting.
  282. Among the people who attended the meeting were DRP leader, PPM Parliamentary Group leader, and senior members of the Coalition.
  283. The meeting was concluded when the political leaders went to meet and greet Chief Criminal Court Judge who was being brought back to Male’. The political leaders who were at the meeting met with Chief Judge at a lounge on the ground floor of the police headquarters.
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Government assures Transparency Maldives of willingness to accept international assistance in inquiry

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan has assured Transparency Maldives of his willingness to include international groups in the inquiry into the events surrounding his accession to the presidency.

In a meeting with the local NGO, President Waheed and Attorney General Azima Shukoor also welcomed requests for increased transparency in the workings of the Committee of National Inquiry (CNI) which is charged with looking into the legality and legitimacy of the transfer of presidential power.

Transparency Maldives Project Director Aiman Rasheed emerged from the meeting confident that Dr Waheed would respect the importance of transparency and accountability in the inquiry process.

Rasheed told Minivan News that Dr Waheed saw an independent and transparent process as the way forward, and recognised that an enquiry which did not have the support of the people would only further political discontent.

The inclusion of international experts in any such inquiry has been urged by numerous international actors as well as the party of  former President Nasheed. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Committee (CMAG), in a statement released after its own inconclusive enquiry into recent events, had strongly recommended an international element to any future investigation, “as mutually agreed to by political parties in Maldives.”

The largest party in the People’s Majlis, Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), yesterday criticised the CNI for “dragging its feet” on the issue, in what it said was “a clear violation” of the wishes of the international community.

“The MDP hopes that the international community will immediately call on the Dr Waheed regime and the CNI to commit to significant international assistance in the investigation,” the party said in a statement.

MDP said it had received reports of that members of the police force willing to talk to the CNI were facing intimidation. MDP International Affairs Spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor said he believed that such reports only increased the need for international experts, including witness protection specialists, to help bring investigations to a successful conclusion. Ghafoor has previously drawn unfavourable comparisons between this investigation and the 2003 Maafushi jail enquiry whose independence was questioned and whose outcome was censored.

The CNI currently consists of three members: Ismail Shafeeu, former minister of defence and national security during President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom’s administration; Dr Ali Fawaz Shareef, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Maldives National University; and Dr Ibrahim Yasir, former Director General of Health Services.

One member of the commission has already been reappointed. Dr Ali Fawaz Shareef replaced Ahmed Mujuthaba, who said his position as the convener of the all-party consultative meetings was a conflict of interest.

Transparency Maldives, which is scheduled to meet the CNI tomorrow with three other NGOs, including the Maldivian Democracy Network, Maldives NGO Federation and Democracy House, has been active in raising awareness of the detrimental impact corruption and opaque governance on society.

The group’s current projects include Parliament Watch, a program that aims to increase public scrutiny of the procedures and processes used in the People’s Majlis, and the CRINIS Project advocating for changes to political party financing transparency. Others include the Right to Information Project, creating demand for right to information for greater transparency and accountability, the Decentralisation Project promoting accountability and increasing citizen engagement in local governments, and Advocacy and Legal Advice Centres Project, helping victims of corruption with the legal systems in place.

It has also produced reports on media, and conducted surveys on corruption perception. In pursuit of its stated goals of justice and democracy it asked the President to consider allowing it observer status on the CNI. It also requested that the CNI’s findings be made public.

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