Tag: waheed

Male’ gripped by chaos as protests intensify


As violent confrontations between police and anti-government protesters rock the capital of Male’, the Majlis continued was locked in a stalemate as President Waheed was forced to give his opening speech amidst loud heckling from MDP MPs.

The live feed continues here.

16:31 – Tension is once again on the rise as large numbers of police have begun to clear out the surf point area of the capital that has been home to an MDP protest camp since the controversial resignation of former President Mohamed Nasheed last month.

16:14 – Police with riot shields have now asked asked a large group of people gathered towards the Tsunami Memorial to disperse.

15:35 – A police spokesperson had told Minivan News that the violent confrontations with protesters now appeared to have been bought under control, although a few people are still thought to be waiting in Sosun Magu.

15:20 – President Waheed and his spokesperson Abbas Adil Riza were unavailable to elaborate on the comments made during today’s speech when contacted by Minivan News.

15:00 – The President’s Office has issued a statement quoting Dr Mohamed Waheed in pledging to commit to an early election if it was “required”.

Reiterating points raised in his inaugural address to a boisterous Majlis floor that saw the president having to shout over loud heckles from MDP members just a few hours ago, Waheed pledged to bring together all political leaders to discuss constitutional amendments required for fresh elections.

“This is the time for all of us to work together in one spirit, the time to bring political differences to the discussion table in order to formulate solutions,” said the president.  “I fully assure you that I will not order anyone to act against the Constitution or laws of this country”.

14:45 – Some protesters are reportedly making their way to the justice rally by the Tsunami memorial.

14:40 – The MDP has issued a statement condemning the acts of violence that took place across Male’ today, alleging that a blaze in the Neelan Fihaara “may have deliberately started” by figures loyal to the government as a means to crack down on peaceful demonstrators.

“The MDP condemns the Waheed regime’s attempts to associate the MDP with acts of violence, even before conducting an independent investigation,” the statement read. “Thousands of pro-democracy supporters poured onto the streets this morning to peacefully protest Dr Waheed’s attempt to address the People’s Majlis.”

14:10 – The official police website has reported that eight police personnel have suffered injuries during today’s protests, while 41 people are reported to have been arrested.

14:06 – Dr Waheed has returned to the chamber and finished giving his address amidst loud heckling from MDP Supporters in the Majlis chamber.

13:57 – The Police Integrity Commission has released a statement denouncing what it sees as violent acts committed against security forces by protestors.

13:34 – One female protester seems to have fainted, while another has been badly affected by gas. “Milk has been put all over her to treat it,” reports Daniel Bosley from between the police lines on Sosun Magu.

13:30 – President Waheed reportedly tells protesters in the chamber “I’ll be back” after having to walk out once again.

13:29 – President Waheed is forced to cut short his speech amongst ironic clapping. Shouts of “long live democracy” are heard as he leaves the floor again.

13:27 – President Waheed is having to shout out his speech as MDP protestors directly heckle him creating a noisy Majlis floor.

13:24 – Police on Sosun Magu have reportedly begun warning protesters they will use “force” to restore order, according to witnesses at the scene.

13:20 – Haveeru has reported that the police are now requesting protesters to being cooperating with them, whilst the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) has strongly condemned the attack on the VTV building.

13:17 – Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sadiq has said there has been no reports of unrest in the country’s second city. He was unable to confirm if any events or demonstrations were currently being scheduled to occur in Addu.

13:13 – President Waheed has once again entered the parliamentary chamber only to leave again soon after.

13:05 – MDP spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor claimed that 20 MNDF are now inside parliament in an attempt to remove Milandhoo constituency MP Riza, Machangoalhi South MP Mohamed Rasheed and Thinadhoo constituency Nazim. Ghafoor told Minivan News that MPs Shifaz and Riza had been injured, meanwhile international observers are said to be looking on at events from the public gallery.

13:01 – President Waheed on his Twitter feed has condemned MDP members and Mohamed Nasheed for blocking parliament. “Anni must take responsibility for the chaos as he is directing the chaos in Male’,” he wrote.

12:51 – MDP members inside the chamber have alleged that the Majlis secretary general has compiled a list of MPs that are required to be removed from parliament before the session can start. The MPs claim this goes against the Majlis rules of procedure as it is for the speaker to say who is to be removed by security officials.

12:45 – The MNDF has confirmed that about 60 per cent of the fire at Neelan Fihaara is under control. People are reportedly taking some items that weren’t burnt in the fire out of the premises.

12:39 – Police have now moved crowds outside of ADK Hospital to the other side of Sosun Magu. Minivan News understands that rubber bullets have been fired.

12:36 – Colonel Abdul Raheem of the MNDF has told Minivan News that security would not hesitate to use rubber bullets to disperse crowds, calling them a “non-lethal weapon” that does not constitute excessive force.

12:35 – Haveeru has reported that some protesters have allegedly harassed and threatened some reporters and media personnel.

12:32 – President Waheed has once again left the chamber after disruptions by MDP MPs who have continued to bang copies of the constitution on their desks.

12:28 – The Majlis session has restarted. President Waheed is now in the parliamentary chamber.

12:25 – Protesters around Sosun Magu have claimed that rubber bullets are being prepared for use by MNDF forces.

12:20 – Minivan News has witnessed that police have cleared protesters from Sosun Magu to the west of the junction by Majeedhee Magu.

12:15 – Maldives Police has announced on Twitter that the protests in Male’ are no longer being considered as peaceful – “necessary force” is now expected to be used.

12:08 – Military vehicle arrives to support police – meets hail of projectiles. Windshield is damaged.

12:07 – Sun Online has reported that MP Shifaz fell and injured himself during scuffles withi the Majlis chamber. “What happened exactly is not yet clear,” the news agency added.

12:03 – Police are reported to have temporarily cleared rioters away from VTV studios.

12:02 – Several physical confrontations have been reported from within the Majlis with the MDP alleging that MP Shifaz has been taken away by the MNDF suffering from a broken leg.

11:56 – An MDP supporter within the Majlis has alleged that Baarashu Dhaaira MP Shifaz has been beaten unconscious by MNDF forces.

11:52 – Outside ADK Hospital several men have been seen covered in blood. Minivan News has witnessed some figures attacking the VTV building with bricks. Soldiers are blocking the doors to VTV studios.

11:48 – “Police are continuing to deploy gas as protesters are being driven back down the street [Sosun Magu],” reports Daniel Bosley. “Some are attacking soldiers on their way past.”

11:45 – Soldiers in gas masks have been spotted outside the VTV building on Sosun Magu. Unconfirmed reports suggest four people have been arrested on the street so far.

11:40 – Fire-fighters are still having difficulty controlling the blaze in the Neelan Fihaara area.

11:36 – Under parliamentary rulings, the speaker must call the name of an MP three times to leave the chamber for contempt before they can be removed by Majlis security. Two MPs have been removed at present. “It could be a long day,” one observer with knowledge of parliamentary proceedings has noted.

11:33 – “The police and local people are now trying to escort police vehicles from the fire. Firemen are still working to put out the blaze,” Naahee adds.

11:29 – Meanwhile, a fire has continued to rage in the Neelan Fihaara. “The fire has even spread to the land in front of the nearby auctioning market,” reports Mohamed Naahee. “ The police garage is right next door.”

11:26 – “There are people now ferrying cases of water to the protest’s front lines in what appears to be a measure to counter the tear gas deployed by police,” reports Daniel Bosley on Sosun Magu. “People are dousing themselves in water.”

11:23 – Protesters on Sosun Magu are said to be cheering as a riot shield is taken from the police and held aloft. An ambulance has arrived on the scene.

11:20 – Confrontations appear to be escalating in the capital with local media reporting that police have now called for the protest on Sosun Magu to be broken up. Outside Majeediyya school, flags and pavement stones are reported to have been thrown at police.

11:16 – “The situation has really escalated on Sosun Magu with tear gas now being deployed. However, the MDP supporters appear to be regrouping,” reports Minivan News’ Daniel Bosley.

11:13 – A Minivan News reporter has witnessed police deploying tear gas on Sosun Magu.

11:08 – Tensions are escalating across the capital amidst claims that a police officer has been injured in scuffles with protesters. Sun online reports that tear gas has been used in response.

11:02 – Haveeru has reported that protesters gathered near the Health Ministry building have begun throwing bottles of water at police as well as trying to breach their lines. Military personal have also now removed MP Alhan Fahmy from the parliamentary chambers.

10:56 – Local media is reporting that military personnel have now been called to Sosun Magu to assist police with a large protest taking place on the street. A spokesperson for the police told Minivan news that they would be working in collaboration with military officials. “They [the MNDF] will be helping us where needed,” the spokesperson added, without elaborating on the nature of the assistance.

10:50 – Outside the chamber, police are said to have cordoned off more than 15 streets including those surrounding the President’s Office and the Majlis in a bid to try and control protests.

10:46 – Meanwhile, Sun Online has reported that President Waheed was not provided with a traditional “red carpet welcome” when entering the Majlis. He instead entered the parliament gate straight from his car.

10:36 – Haveeru has reported that police have been informing protesters gathered on Sosun Magu that peaceful protests will be allowed as part of their constitutional rights, but action will be taken against anyone found to “impede” police.

10:35 – MPs are drumming on tables with copies of the constitution. President Waheed is reportedly in the Majlis, though not yet in the parliamentary chamber, according to state media.

10:33 – Shahid has called for an intermission amidst continued disruption by MDP MPs.

10:27 – Speaker Shahid has asked MP Alhan Fahmy to leave the chamber due to ongoing disruptions as he tries to establish order to the football match-esque atmosphere. MDP MPs are shouting “Baagee Waheed” for their part.

10:23 – The Speaker has called for President Waheed to deliver his address. The MDP MPs have begun their protest.

10:20 – Parliamentary Speak Abdulla Shahid has just started the Majlis session. He has begun with a eulogy for the late Fathulla Jameel. The MDP have vowed to begin their protest after respecting the eulogy.

10:10 – A group of about 200 anti-government protesters replete with MDP and Maldivian national flags have been witnessed in a sit down demonstration outside Majeediyya school – one supporter has claimed it is the school midterm break at present.

09:55 – A Minivan News journalist in the area surrounding the Majlis says that the situation directly outside parliament remains quiet at present, with a somewhat noisy group of protesters currently having gathered at Sosun Magu as police work to enforce a designated route for demonstrators.

The reporter adds that police have blocked access to the Majlis via Fehimagu.

09:45 – A police spokesperson had told Minivan News that there has been no reports so far of conflicts with groups of protesters that are beginning to gather around Male’.

The spokesperson said that the police were hoping to use “minimum force” to keep the protests under control as the Majlis is set to reopen, but the situation would be reviewed as the day progresses.

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President interviewed by BBC – “The last thing I want to do is circumvent the constitution”

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan was interviewed last week by Steven Sackur for the BBC’s flagship news programme ‘HARDtalk’.  Former President Mohamed Nasheed spoke with the uncompromising Sackur one month ago and the current president’s appearance on the show was no less hard-hitting.

When introducing the president, Mr Sackur contrasted the idyllic “heaven” of the Maldives’ image in the tourism industry, with the “political hell” of “street protests, sporadic violence and parliamentary chaos.”

In Sackur’s first question to Waheed, he referred to a recent press release during Waheed’s tour of Shaviyani Atoll. Waheed was asked how he could describe the country as having changed for the better?

Waheed explained that the last three years had seen an erosion of the constitution’s values and the rule of law in the country and that he felt he had an opportunity to put democracy “back on track.”

Sackur went on to contrast this response with a statement Waheed had, as the former vice-president, given to the United Nations General Assembly last September.  In the statement, Waheed said “Maldivians enjoy more freedoms today than at any other point in their history”, describing the Maldives as a “harbinger of the Arab awakening”.

At this point, Waheed drew upon the example of the military detention of Chief Justice Abdulla Mohamed, positing this as a breach of the people’s basic rights to freedom from arbitrary arrest and freedom from fear.

This answer prompted Sackur to ask whether this incident was sufficient to justify a coup. Waheed denied that there had been a coup.

After asking Mr Waheed to comment on the opinions of his brother, former Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Naushad Waheed, that the current government was illegitimate, he responded that his brother’s loyalty to Nasheed was understandable, having been appointed to a senior diplomatic post by the former President.

Leadership?

The intensity of the interview climaxed as Sackur pressed Waheed to commit to the early elections that have been called for by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Commonwealth.

Waheed steadfastly maintained that as the President, he was constitutionally able to move elections forward only 120 days. Whilst theoretically in support of early poll, his continued deferral to the People’s Majlis appeared to wear thin with Sackur.

Waheed: “[Nasheed] can have elections this year if the parliament approves an amendment to the constitution…I am all for it and I have already said that I will encourage and work with all political parties…”

Sackur interrupted, “So when? When would you like to see the election?”

“As early as the Parliament wants” responded Waheed hesitantly before again being cut off by his interviewer.

“Yes but when? Show some leadership here. You have taken the job, you are the President, tell me when these elections could take place – the earliest moment,” prodded Sackur.

“We have several political parties here. This is not a dictatorship” responded Waheed.

After this exchange, Sackur was able to gain Waheed’s assurance that the arrangement for early elections ought to be the first order of business for resolving political deadlock in the country.

This commitment itself was significant as a major stumbling block in the all-party talks has been the failure to agree on an order of precedence for the seven-point agenda, of which early presidential elections is just one point.

This impasse resulted in the opening of Parliament on March 1 being blocked by the MDP who are poised to do the same with tomorrow’s rescheduled opening.

Faustian Pact?

The next line of questioning concerned the controversial make-up of Waheed’s government, which has come under scrutiny due to a number of representatives who also worked under the authoritarian President Maumoon Gayoom.

After Waheed had highlighted the MDP’s refusal to trust his administration, Sackur commented: “Maybe by throwing your lot in with Gayoom’s people he doesn’t feel you’re deserving of his trust. Let’s remember, Gayoom is the man who made him a prisoner of conscience, who in effect forced you into exile for years.”

“Gayoom and his people are not committed to democracy,” continued Sackur, “Why are you working with them?”

Waheed defended his appointments, arguing that there are seven political parties involved in his cabinet and that only three of the fourteen are from Gayoom’s Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). He also added that some of Nasheed’s closest allies had worked in Gayoom’s cabinet.

“This country is a small country” said Waheed, “Gayoom was ruling this country for thirty years. Most of the people who have got education here went through higher education during his time. Government was the biggest employer so almost everybody had some role in this government.”

After being asked about the brutal suppression of demonstrators the day after Nasheed’s resignation, Waheed argued that those protesting Nasheed’s government at the start of the year were dispersed similarly and “nobody made a big deal of it”.

He did concede that the police force was in need of better training in order to build people’s confidence in its capability.

At this point, Sackur summarised his argument by asking the President if he had ever wondered in his “darker moments” if he had “engaged in a Faustian pact?”

The journalist continued to suggest that this ‘deal with the devil’ may mean things in the Maldives will get worse before they get better.

Waheed responded, “We have a situation here where it’s Nasheed’s way or no way. All the political parties are working with me, they represent a majority of the people in this country…The only disturbances that are caused here are caused by Mr Nasheed’s supporters.”

To conclude, Sackur asked how long this “Very difficult phase in the Maldives current politics was going to last?”

“I hope not too long” replied Waheed, “Even today I met with the parliamentary leader of Nasheed’s party and I have assured him that I would support any decision of the parliament to hold early elections”

“I have assured him that we will have elections, even if the parliament can’t agree, we will have elections as early as possible under the current constitution.”

The leader of the MDP’s Parliamentary group, Ibrahim Mohamed ‘Ibu’ Solih,  emerged from the aforementioned meeting reporting his disappointment that no progress had been made.

Waheed was allowed the final word: “We have come to this point because we have not respected the constitution and we have not respected the rule of law. The last thing I want to do is circumvent the constitution.”

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Anti-government crowds disrupt Japanese tsunami ceremony

Anti-government crowds disrupted a ceremony marking the anniversary of the Japanese tsunami in Male’ on Sunday night.

The ceremony was held at Nasandhura Palace Hotel. A member of the Japanese embassy’s diplomatic staff said that 100 guests were expected, adding that it would have been more were it not for the current “security” concerns in the country.

The capital has seen nightly protests since the end of last year. This period of unrest has seen marches, police brutality, and a controversial change of President.

The ceremony began with the Maldivian and the Japanese national anthems followed by a minute’s silence, before the Japanese ambassador to the Maldives, Ambassador Nobuhito, gave a brief speech.

Nobuhito cited the reasons for the ceremony as being condolences for those lost, gratitude for the help received and to give reassurance of Japan’s recovery from the tsunami’s destruction. Following the tsunami, the Maldives donated 86,400 tins of tuna to Japan, which has been one of the country’s major aid partners.

Outside, hundreds of anti-government demonstrators gathered at the gates of the Nasandhura Palace Hotel.

President Dr Mohamed Waheed’s newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdul Samad Abdulla, spoke about how the 2004 tsunami had brought the people of the Maldives together.

“Gayoom removed some charges against detained opposition members to unite the country,” Dr Samad claimed.

Many in the room seemed distracted, turning their attention towards the raised voices that could now be heard outside.

Dr Samad rounded off his speech by suggesting that it was more than just adversity that united the Maldivian and Japanese nations, it was a mutual commitment to human rights, to the rule of law, and to democracy.

Outside, this commitment was being questioned. Riot police rounded on the crowd, visors down, shields at the ready. Some people in the crowd shouted “baaghee (traitor) Waheed”.

Refreshments were barely touched before an announcement was made that the reception was now ending.

Leaving the hotel and walking a little way down the road towards the crowd, Minivan News asked a passing soldier why the people were there. The soldier smiled and said simply, “They think the government is not the government.”

A young man on the other side of the police barricade grinned and said, with similar poignancy, “Nice Maldives, huh?”

Meanwhile

Once the more prominent guests had safely left the area, the security forces began to recede back towards their headquarters.

Simultaneously, the MDP camp by the Tsunami monument was silent as former President Mohamed Nasheed fielded questions from the Women’s Wing, or ‘Women’s Spirit’ of the party.

The atmosphere here was one of stark contrast to the disorder and tension outside the Nasandhura Palace Hotel.

The scene at Raalhugandu resembled that of a traditional conference. Rows of seated women faced Nasheed, whose head table contained a panel of the MDPs prominent female members.

The discussions were observed by thousands of MDP loyalists who listened in near silence as the women’s concerns were aired.

MDP Spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor said that the event was an attempt at a new “creative form of direct action.”

Japan is also providing 250 million yen (US$3million) as foreign aid to the Maldives government to purchase industrial products produced in the affected areas of Japan, to accelerate the economic progress of those areas.

The agreement was signed between the two countries today at the Maldives Foreign Ministry.

According to a statement released by the ministry, the purchased equipments will be utilised in the health, education sectors and at the Maldives Polytechnic and Male’ Health Corporation.

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Country is sailing back towards democracy, claims President Waheed

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan yesterday afternoon stated that the country had changed for the better after having “deviated” from the road to democracy in the past three years.

A press release on the President’s Office website quoted the President as having told the people of Maaun’goodhoo, an island in Shaviyani Atoll, that his government aimed to respect the values of Islam and uphold the rule of law as envisioned in the country’s 2008 constitution.

The statement continued to promise that the President was “chartering a right course to sail our nation’s ship to a safe harbour.”

In a more conciliatory tone, he pleaded with all parties to work together to achieve these ideals.

The visit to Maaun’goodhoo is part of the President’s tour of North Miladhummadulu Atoll during which he will visit eight islands in total.

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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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India extends financial support to the Maldives

India has provided a standby loan of US$20 million to the Maldives as the country descends into political turmoil, reports the Economic Times.

Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, D M Mulay, told the paper that the Indian government had expedited the delivery of the loan, which had been given to the Maldives government several days ago.

US$50 million in Maldives’ treasury bonds held by the State Bank of India “has also been rolled over for another year”, Mulay told reporters.

President Mohamed Waheed Hassan’s Political Advisor, Dr Hassan Saeed, in a recent leaked audio clip, expressed concern about the involvement of “a lot of foreign partners” and “huge bilateral pressures”, in particular a US$50 million owed by the Maldives to an unspecified lender: “Fifty million dollars has to be raised before the end of this month or there will be a sovereign default,” he said, in the recording earlier this week.

The same paper recently reported that SBI had issued a moratorium on loans in the Maldives until June.

Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Ranjan Mathai visited the Maldives on Monday to push ahead peace talks between parties in the Maldives.

Mathai was a key proponent of  a ‘roadmap’ document proposing early presidential elections, with necessary amendments to the constitution and  laws to be completed within a month’s time.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has been pushing for an early election date, maintaining that Dr Waheed’s government is illegitimate, while the new government has insisted that “conditions have to be right”.

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Dr Waheed “determined to be an honest broker”, claims Richard Branson in second blog post

Multi-billionaire Sir Richard Branson, has written a second blog post on the political crisis in the Maldives, in which he says he now believes that President of the Maldives, Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, “had nothing to do with [the coup]. He watched the situation unfolding on television.”

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has previously challenged Dr Waheed’s account that the events of the 7th were spontaneous, noting that the ‘December 23 alliance’ of eight political parties and a coalition of NGOs had met the then Vice President at his official residence, Hilaaleege, at 1:00am on January 31, and subsequently held a press conference pledging allegiance and urging him to assume control of the executive with the aid of the police and military.

Branson, Head of the Virgin business empire,  said he had spoken on the phone to Dr Waheed, who told him he had appointed “a respected person” to examine the truth of what caused President Nasheed to “resign”.

Dr Waheed appointed former minister of defence and national security during President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom’s administration, Ismail Shafeeu, to head the inquiry commission, a move that led MDP to question its credibility.

“[Dr Waheed] also said that the police used excessive force on the demonstrators on February 8th and that needed examining. And he also said that demonstrators should not have burnt down buildings and that that also needed looking into,” Branson relayed.

“He says that he didn’t know who issued an arrest warrant for President Nasheed after he left office but that it had been rescinded within 48 hours. He is determined to be an honest broker, to be seen to be one, and to get everyone’s confidence. He said that he offered to bring in people from President Nasheed’s party but they refused to join.

“He also pointed out that President Nasheed’s party had been a minority party and had only been in power due to the support of others. It would be for those others, and the electorate to decide who rules in the future. He ended by pledging elections in July of next year – in line with the constitution – once confidence has been restored.”

“Based on his personal reputation I believe he’s sincere in wanting to do what’s right for the country and return it to a true and lasting democracy.

“He’s also right in examining very carefully the facts that lead to the “resignation” of President Nasheed. If they prove he was forced out – and if President Nasheed can still show he has the support from the majority of parliament – President Waheed should consider stepping down and letting him back in as President prior to the elections.”

In his open letter last week, Branson said called on President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan to “do the right thing” and hold free and fair elections before the end of the year.

Addressing Dr Waheed as the “interim” President, Branson recollected his recent meeting with the former Vice President, who he said had told him about about the need for a truth and commission “to examine past misdeeds and the people who perpetuated them”

It was, Branson wrote to Dr Waheed, “completely astounding that you have been part of an overthrow of a democratically elected government that has effectively let the old regime back into power.”

“Knowing you, I would assume that you were given no choice and that it was through threats that you have ended up in this position,” Branson said. “I do very much hope that was the case rather than you doing it of your own free will.”

Branson attended the Slow Life Symposium at the upmarket Soneva Fushi resort in October 2011, a highly eco-conscious resort owned by Sonu and Eva Shivdesani.

Other attendees at the resort included actress Daryl Hannah, star of films including ‘Blade Runner’, ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Splash’; Ed Norton, star of films including ‘Fight Club’ and ‘American History X’; Tim Smit, founder of the Eden Project; Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed; and an array of climate experts and scientists including Mark Lynas and Mike Mason.

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Dr Waheed “politically the weakest person in the Maldives”: political advisor, Hassan Saeed

An audio recording of President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan’s political advisor describing him as “politically the weakest person in the Maldives” with “a lot of legitimacy issues” has been leaked on social media.

“In reality, why we are not able to fully attend internationally is because Dr Waheed is least prepared for this job,” says Dr Hassan Saeed in the recording.

Dr Saeed recently traveled to the UK to meet the Commonwealth Secretary General, the BBC, and UK Undersecretary of the FCO, Alistair Burt.

“Dr Waheed and the wife, that Topi [Ahmed Thaufeeg, Secretary General of Waheed’s Gaumee Itthihaad party] and Waheed’s secretary at the President’s Office – what I am saying is there is no one else but these four people in Dr Waheed’s team,” Dr Saeed says.

The new government was pushing for engagement with Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) because Dr Waheed’s party did not have “a single seat in parliament. Therefore we have to keep all these people.”

He expresses sympathy with the frustration Dr Waheed must have experienced during his many days under the former government, “bored in the office”.

“I wouldn’t just sit. Honestly,” Dr Saeed says. “When an educated man like him whiles the day away being like this, going on the Internet… really it is sad. This is how Waheed was. What happens when this job [the Presidency] comes all of a sudden?”

That job arrived, Dr Saeed says, with “a lot of legitimacy issues”, the involvement of “a lot of foreign partners” and “huge bilateral pressures”.

“Fifty million dollars has to be raised before the end of this month or there will be a sovereign default,” he adds.

President Waheed’s Press Secretary, Musood Imad, told Minivan News that the President’s team had spoken to Dr Hassan Saeed, who said he “had been played” and that the recording had been “taken out of context”.

The President’s Office would be releasing a statement on the matter, Imad said.

Dr Saeed was Attorney General under former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration. After breaking from the MDP coalition that unseated the 30 year autocrat in 2008, Saeed’s Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) was vocal in its criticism of government policy, particularly a 25 year concession agreement between Ibrahim Nasir International Airport and Indian infrastructure giant GMR involving the construction of a new terminal.

The Vice President of his party, Dr Mohamed Jameel – now the Home Minister – was also a vocal critic of the government’s religious credentials, in January distributing a pamphlet entitled “President Nasheed’s devious plot to destroy the Islamic faith of Maldivians”.

Dr Saeed was also one the first to raise concerns about the conduct of Chief Judge of the Criminal Court, Abdulla Mohamed, in a letter to Gayoom in 2005.

Translation:

‘Then second in command has now become the chief. When it happened, as circumstances would have it, he is the weakest, politically the weakest person in the Maldives is Dr Waheed. In reality, why we are not able to fully attend internationally is because Dr Waheed is least prepared for this job.

“The wife and…Dr Waheed and the wife, that Topi [Secretary General of Waheed’s Gaumee Ittihad party, Ahmed Thaufeeg] and Waheed’s secretary at President’ Office – what I am saying is there is no one else but these four people in Dr Waheed’s team.

“And this is…as circumstances would have it, there was no major role for President Waheed in the previous government. Very many days [spent] bored in the office. I wouldn’t just sit. Honestly. When an educated man like him whiles the day away being like this, going on the Internet…[few people chuckle, a voice is heard saying: ‘on Facebook’. More chuckles]..really it is sad. This is how Waheed was. What happens when this job comes all of a sudden?

“And also, when it came…a lot of legitimacy issues are there, a lot of foreign partners are also involved, bilateral pressures are so huge. 50 million dollars have to be raised before the end of this month or there will be a sovereign default. And there isn’t a single seat in parliament. Therefore we have to keep all these people…and that’s why it is being thought ideally to include MDP in the coalition [cut off].”

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President visits Addu City, Fuvammulah

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik is visiting Addu City and Fuvammulah, reports Haveeru.

Residents of Addu and Hulhumeedhoo “warmly welcomed” President Waheed on arrival, said Haveeru’s correspondent Ahmed Adhshan. “Around 70 opposition members” were also called for his immediate resignation.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed visited Addu City last week.

Minivan News recently reported that Addu, the second-largest population centre in the Maldives after Male and – electorally – a Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) stronghold – was facing a violent social divide driven by political uncertainty.

Police, court buildings, vehicles and a police training centre were destroyed on February 8 in the aftermath of a brutal police crackdown on protesters in Male’. Many supporters of the MDP were subsequently taken into custody, prompting a delegation from the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) and Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM).

Dr Waheed will address residents of the atoll this evening, reports Haveeru.

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