The use of brutal force by the security forces in Fares-Maathoda

PRESS STATEMENT

MDP/2006/PR- 01
Date: 05 January 2006 (Thursady)

The use of brutal force by the security forces in Fares-Maathoda

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is appalled by reports that the law and order situation in Huvadhoo Atoll in South Maldives is deteriorating rapidly following the deployment of security forces to the island of Fares-Maathoda and the use of brutal force against protestors who were peacefully assembled, and other civilians. The island has a population of around 1800 inhabitants.

According to local sources several gun shots have been fired and tear gas and electric batons are being used against unarmed civilians.

MDP expresses its concern that the news of the deteriorating situation in Fares-Maathoda is raising further tension in the Huvadhoo Atoll.

MDP condemns the use of brutal force by the Security forces and calls on President Gayoom to respect basic human rights and to immediately halt the use of brutal force against the unarmed civilians of Fares-Maathoda .

MDP also wishes to note that the peaceful assembly in Fares-Maathoda earlier this week was instigated by years of neglect and failure of the government to provide basic services to the island. MDP also wishes to highlight, that it was only two days back that the Minister for Construction and Public Infrastructure, Mauroof Jameel and the Minister of Atolls Development, Mohamed Waheed Deen, in interviews to Television Maldives, acknowledged that it was the Government’s failure for the past six years to dredge the entry channel to provide access to the island that led to the unrest in Fares Maathoda.

MDP calls on the Government of the Maldives to stop misleading the public, through the government controlled state media, instigating tension, and abusing basic human rights, and to divert all energies to the development of the country.

MDP further condemns the continued deployment of military personnel and equipment in suppressing peaceful assembly without declaring emergency

Statement issued on behalf of the Maldivian Democratic Party by spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor. For enquiries please call +960 777 8285 or email: secretariat@mdp.org.mv