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I believe this to be a coup d’état and suspect that were thrown. Window panes were smashed. Some Mohamed Nasheed my vice president, who has since been sworn into of the protesters were relentlessly rebuking the office, helped to plan it. armed forces for protecting ‘the Jew’ - and loudly The Dregs of applauding the Police.In the meantime, the Vice Choosing to stand up to the judge was a con- President issued a statement ordering the armed Dictatorship troversial decision, but I feel I had no choice forces to refrain from following ‘unconstitutional’ but to do what I did — to have taken no action, orders, while the rebelling police were calling for February 7, 2012 and passively watched the country’s democracy the Commissioner to issue an apology for issuing strangled, would have been the greatest injustice such orders.Rumors flew that a faction of the DICTATORSHIPS don’t always die when the of all. army had also decided to join the rebels, but were dictator leaves office. The wave of revolutions being forcibly held at their base. In the space of a that toppled autocrats in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya The problems we are facing in the Maldives are few hours, of course, the whole thing dangerously and Yemen last year was certainly cause for hope. a warning for other Muslim nations undergoing blew into a full blown national crisis. But the people of those countries should be aware democratic reform. At times, dealing with the that, long after the revolutions, powerful net- corrupt system of patronage the former regime A group of young men - ostensibly MDP activ- works of regime loyalists can remain behind and left behind can feel like wrestling with a Hydra: ists - were seen rushing towards the republican can attempt to strangle their nascent democracies. when you remove one head, two more grow back. square with sticks and other weapons. In the en- With patience and determination, the beast can be suing commotion, the police and the MNDF were I learned this lesson quickly. My country, the slain. But let the Maldives be a lesson for aspiring caught in a vicious pitched battle, and copious Maldives, voted out President Maumoon Abdul democrats everywhere: the dictator can be re- amounts of pepper spray and tear gas canisters Gayoom, its iron-fisted ruler, back in 2008, in moved in a day, but it can take years to stamp out were being flung by both sides.The way the situ- historic elections that swept away three decades the lingering remnants of his dictatorship. ation was getting out of hand, I did momentarily of his authoritarian rule. And yet the dictator- fear there would be bloodshed. But the reality is ship bequeathed to the infant democracy a looted Mohamed Nasheed was president of the Maldives that the country simply cannot afford to have the treasury, a ballooning budget deficit and a rotten from 2008 until Feb. 7. military publicly open fire on citizens. Even the judiciary. dictator Maumoon with all his absolute powers http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/opin- didn’t dare do it. I was elected that year, and with the help of the ion/in-the-maldives-strangled-democra- International Monetary Fund, my government cy.html It just wouldn’t work. worked to cut the deficit, while also building a modern tax base. For the first time in its history, Given this, the President did the right thing by the Maldives — a group of islands in the Indian gracefully resigning in the face of a coup d’etat. Ocean — had a democratically elected president, Yameen Rasheed parliament and local councils. I must take the time out to say what I truly feel Treason. about President Nasheed.I haven’t the slightest But it also had a judiciary handpicked by the doubt that he’s a democrat in every sense of the former president, which was now hiding behind Coup. word. a democratic constitution. These powerful judges provided protection for the former president, Change. However, he is also more of an activist than a his family members and political allies, many of statesmen; more adept at giving populist, rousing whom are accused of corruption, embezzlement February 7, 2012 speeches than building a national consensus. It and human rights crimes. is not surprising then that the last few months of Don’t get me wrong. I predicted this just two the country has seen absolute political polariza- At the same time, new laws guaranteeing freedom weeks ago. In fact, here’s what I said in a piece for tion - with no willingness on either side to com- of speech were abused by a new force in Maldiv- Minivan News, published on 24 January 2012”It promise or see eye-to-eye on any issue.President ian politics: Islamic extremists. The former presi- simply does not bode well for the country’s Nasheed’s ability to turn conventional wisdom on dent’s cabinet members threw anti-Semitic and democracy when the powers bestowed to one arm its head and pull out one surprise after the other anti-Christian slurs at my government, branding of the State is unilaterally employed to twist the never failed to impress.I severely criticized his de- as apostates anyone who tried to defend the coun- other arm. cision to gamble with the country’s economy by try’s liberal Islamic traditions and claiming that banning spas and massage parlours in the resorts. democracy granted them and their allies license to The country has already had one failed attempt at But one can’t deny the sheer brilliance of the ma- call for violent jihad and indulge in hate speech. democracy before. If the actions of the demo- noeuvre; the manner in which he publicly called cratic leaders causes the general public loses the opposition’s bluff and exposed the hypocrisy In response to these issues, my government faith in democratic institutions and the rule of of the mullahs and the two-faced nature of people asked the United Nations to help us investigate law, then there’s no reason to believe it won’t like Gasim Ibrahim. judicial abuses and ordered the arrest of Abdulla fail again.”And that’s exactly what happened last Mohamed, the chief judge of the criminal court, night. Our country’s second (third?) experiment Faced with an inflamed public charged with high on charges of protecting the former president with democracy failed.I was watching from a religious rhetoric spewed by the local Taliban (I’m and corrupting the judicial system. However, in building with a vantage point, seeing the events afraid, I have to include the likes of Dr Hassan a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday, the former of the night unfold on the streets below me. When Saeed in this), Anni could have easily chosen to president’s supporters protested in the streets, the entire Police force refused to take orders and plunge into feverish religious rhetoric himself. and police officers and army personnel loyal to openly rebelled, I knew it was going to rapidly the old government mutinied and forced me, at spiral out of control.Once that happened, I saw Instead, he chose to make a public stand in favour gunpoint, to resign. To avoid bloodshed, I did so. the rioters lose all their fear. Stones and bottles of tolerant, moderate, traditional Islam. It is easy

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 1 to underestimate the kind of courage it takes to do something like that in a society like the Maldives. Global Voices / Saffah Faroog Where others like Velezinee and Ibra have repeat- Maldives: edly tried hard and failed, Anni succeeded in making the corrupt, runaway judiciary a subject President of intense national debate, if only temporarily.The Abdulla Ghazee episode proved to be his undoing. Resigns Af- His activist bent of mind dictated, perhaps, that given the circumstances, the ends justified the ter Mutiny means. February 7, 2012 In a way, Anni has proved himself a sort of a soldier than a leader - more interested in building Mohamed Nasheed, the president of Maldives and preserving democracy than actually practic- most famously known as a climate champion, ing it. This time, his big gamble failed. announced his resignation [1] on Tuesday 7 February, 2012, after the military forces joined the Oftentimes in recent weeks, I have been forced to police mutiny against his rule. wonder whether it is worth preserving the ‘Rule of Law’ and the associated institutions - even Nasheed, sworn in to office in November 2008 af- when they are clearly dysfunctional and corrupt. ter the country’s first democratic multiparty elec- Would the Maldivian public be better off with a tion, was inside the military headquarters when benevolent, modernist dictator who can forcibly the military started withdrawing their allegiance drag them in the direction of progress? to him. He was taken in a car to the nearby Presi- dent’s Office where he announced his resignation I hate to say that I can’t answer it to this day. on live television in front of journalists.Some Maldivians were worried about the safety of the One part of me understands how crucial it is to president. Maeed wrote [2]: set proper democratic precedents in these early years. The other part of me sees not a ray of One Sincere Request remain, DO NOT HURT A hope in the existing, corruption laden failure of a PRESIDENT OF MALDIVES. UPHOLD DIGNITY system - infested as it is by criminals and greedy and DON’T LET HISTORY REPEAT. PROTECT businessmen consumed by avarice, and willing to HIM. burn society in the flames of violence and funda- mentalism, if it means protecting their political or [3]People gather in front of Bandaara Koshi, the business interests.Another thing that’s constantly headquarters of Maldives National Defense Force bothered me throughout the last couple of years is (MNDF) where president Nasheed was taken. Im- the lack of any credible opposition in the country age by MUHA. Used with permission. - crooks and thieves with no apparent workable policies other than preventing the government He added in a following post [4]: from functioning in anyway.It is not hard to see why the international community has been We shifted from a Dictatorship to a democracy reluctant to back the opposition, or condemn in 2008 and we showed an example to the world President Nasheed’s alleged excesses.I truly dread then. I call the Security forces to show that to imagine bumbling idiots like Umar Naseer or example again. Ahmed Mahfool (I’m sorry, I am unable to spell this guys name any other way) walk the hallways Earlier in the day, tension escalated as the police of power. This country simply cannot afford rioted against what they claimed were unlawful it.But in a democracy, you have to live with what commands. After what appeared to be a bitter you get. And what you get is what you deserve. stand-off between the military and the police, [5] Maybe a stinking political system sustained by the military retreated into their headquarters. The mindless personality cults, while masquerading police protest was preceded by three weeks of as a ‘democracy’, is exactly what we deserve.With evening protests organised by the opposition par- the success of this coup, the Judiciary shall now ties in the capital Male’, after the government or- instantly revert to being an instrument of political dered the military to detain a top judge.Mohamed control and protection of the Gayoom clan and Waheed Hassan, the vice president in Nasheed’s their cronies. I also predict that the local Taliban administration, has been sworn in as the new will again get a free run in spreading their hatred president. Even though Hassan urged for calm and paranoia, meeting even less resistance than during a speech after taking oath, it remains to be the previous government. This is why I chose to seen if the country can quickly restore stability use the word ‘treason’ in the title of this post. after weeks of protests, destruction of property Traitors will now run our media and judiciary and and attacks on journalists and media outlets. other institutions. [3]Soldiers who mutinied shake hands with pub- As with every leadership change in Maldivian lic. Image by MUHA. Used with permission history, there’ll be relentless efforts to demonize Anni in the coming days. From being a Zionist The continuity of the democratic exercise of the spy to a drunkard, he’ll face every accusation. Maldives is in question as tension remains high. The supporters of the deposed president label the And yet, despite all the flaws in his government, I change in power as a coup while his opponents sincerely believe that President Nasheed truly had claim Tuesday’s events showed the will of the great ambitions of going forward. The average people.Opinion is divided and feelings are mixed Maldivian, however, insists on regressing. The on social networks and twitter as Maldivians try relationship was bound to fail. ~Peace! to come to terms with the fact that the govern- ment has changed approximately two years before http://uglyy.blogspot.com/2012/02/trea- the next scheduled election. The hashtag #Mal- son-coup-change.html. dives trended on Twitter today.Dhaanish tweets:

2 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion [6] @Dhaaanish: @JeelAli @yaittey People will [10] Image: http://globalvoicesonline.orgwww. assume that the security forces were acting on start realizing how sane Nasheed is compared muhaphotos.com their own. What this means is that we have inci- to all these opposition retards later! Mark my [11] tweets:: https://twitter.com/#!/Limmto/sta- dentally slipped into a military/police dictatorship words!”” tus/166885379604103168 where the executive is there only in name only. [12] the rebranding of the state-owned TV sta- Maldives has become a police state. Maldivian Hum_Don tweets: [7] @Hum_Don: I feel sorry tion: https://twitter.com/#!/profEuLOGist/sta- Twitter users have started using 3 hashtags to tell and sad to see the resignation of the very presi- tus/166816960317898753 their story. Please follow; dent we worked so hard to elect. [13] the turn of events:: https://twitter.com/#!/ mashafeeg/status/166809889304358912 #maldivespolicestate Epicloser expressed his views: [8] @epicloser: You [14] responded: https://twitter.com/#!/Maldives11/ didn’t listen to #Dec23 protest Nasheed, you just status/166855521675128833 #mvprotest made fun out of us and called us terrorists. This is [15] ponders about the future:: https://twitter. the outcome for you. Peace. com/#!/mashafeeg/status/166838579870441473 #mvcoup [16] has high expectations: https://twitter.com/#!/ Haumaldives has this to say [9] about the mutiny: Hilmy7007/status/166861308250173441 Nasheed with MDP supporters at today’s protest, @haumaldives: @CNN Maldives Nasheed carried just before the brutal crackdown.The police and arbitary arrests using the Military which led to http://globalvoicesonline. the army are saying few people - How is this a protests.. and Military crackdown led to Police org/2012/02/07/maldives-president-re- few people? Thousands protested today.Reeko revolt. signs-after-mutiny/ Moosa Manik, the chair of the MDP, was also admitted to hospital with head and back injuries [10]People waving Maldives flags after the after being beaten by policeMobile phone picture tension is over. Image by MUHA. Used with of former MDP Chairperson Mariya Ahmed Didi permission. Muju Naeem being attacked by the police in today’s protests. MDP member and deputy mayor of Male’ City, Limmto tweets: [11] @Limmto: Citizens beat Maldives be- Mr. Samah Rasheed carried by other protesters #Nasheed at his own game. The #muzaaharaa. after being seriously beaten by the police.Maldives #Maldives #MVrevolution comes a po- Police Service personnel chasing and hunting for MDP members through the streets of Male’ profEuLOGist tweets about the rebranding of lice state today.Protesters being treated after the brutal the state-owned TV station [12] after police took crackdown by the police and the army.Moments over: @profEuLOGist: Fastest transition of a February 8, 2012 before police burned down MDP headquarters media and rebranding I have ever seen! TVM to today. MNBC1 took months but back 2 TVM - 10mins! As the dust settles on the events that lead to the resignation of the first democratically elected http://mujunaeem.tumblr.com/ Mashafeeg has this to say about the turn of president of the Maldives, it is becoming increas- post/17272756740/maldives-becomes-a- events: [13] @mashafeeg: New era of democracy ingly clear that the Maldives has become a police police-state in Maldives, people proves their power and presi- state.Dr. Waheed, was sworn in soon after, as dent shown his bravery by the resignation. the 5th president of the Maldives - as stipulated by the Maldives constitution.President Waheed, Maldives11 responded [14] to Mashafeeg’s tweet: in his first press conference, promised to uphold Cheeky Sylph @Maldives11: @mashafeeg I doubt it was the the constitution and the laws of the country. people. sorry I am not convinced it was the He promised that he will not issue any uncon- Dark Days in people. stitutional or illegal orders.Knowing President Waheed’s past, we know him to be a democratic Maldivian Mashafeeg also ponders about the future: [15] @ leader.Educated in Stanford University, Dr. Wa- mashafeeg: At last Dr.Waheed’s longed dream heed is also a former United Nations administra- History has come true, wonder how people will accept tor who was in charge of the UNICEF arm in his presidency! better wait and see for a while! Afganistan after the war. With his experience, February 8, 2012 #Maldives Maldivians should be comforted knowing that the country is possibly in the best hands if its not Yesterday, a democratically elected government, Hilmy7007, has high expectations [16] of the new President Nasheed.But President Waheed can only a government voted for and endorsed by the government: @Hilmy7007: President Waheed be an effective president if he only has control of people, was ousted by a mutinous faction of the should ensure his government is corruption free. the institutions that enable an executive to run police and military that sided with the opposi- We demand transparency n accountability in all the country.Of these institutions, the security tion. The President was forced at gunpoint to projects awarded. forces are of the most important. The executive resign, and as he spoke those words, eyes across should have absolute control over the Maldives the country shed tears, hearts bled, hopes died. URLs in this post: Police Service (MPS) and the army, Maldives 7th February 2012 will go down in history as a [1] resignation: http://www.hindustantimes.com/ National Defense Force (MNDF).Now consider the day of betrayal, mutiny, treason and above all,a News-Feed/restofasia/Maldives-President-resigns- events that unfolded today;The MDP came out to day when the people’s will was not only ignored, after-police-mutiny-VP-sworn-in/Article1-807890. protest against the police mutiny that forced the but trampled upon and shred to smithereens.The aspx hand of President Nasheed to resign yesterday. respect I used to have for our law enforcement, [2] wrote: http://www.maeed.com/2012/02/break- But what we saw was the police and the military gone. The admiration I had for the service of the ing-news-presidency-at-its-brink.html brutally crack down on the protesters, seriously armed forces, gone. The trust I had that the police [3] Image: http://www.muhaphotos.com/ injuring key opposition figures.So who gave the will protect me and my loved ones, and that this [4] following post: http://www.maeed. order? President Waheed, only 24 hours ago, society was a safe place to live freely, gone. I can com/2012/02/mvprotests-07th-february-mutiny- promised that he will not issue any illegal orders. not see them as anything more than brutal thugs, end-of.html President Nasheed is entitled for protection as and it hurts me to say this but I can never regard [5] a bitter stand-off between the military and the a former president as per the constitution. The someone in uniform the same way again. Thugs police,: http://globalvoicesonline.org/2012/02/07/ executive has to ensure that.Instead what we saw in uniforms, who use their batons and pepper maldives-on-brink-of-chaos/ was president Nasheed brutally beaten requiring spray and tear gas against unarmed civilians. [6] tweets:: http://twitter.com/Dhaaanish/sta- hospitalization at todays protest. Also among the Thugs in uniforms, who in the name of ‘defending tus/166795393114443776 injured was MDP chairperson Moosa “Reeko” and upholding the constitution’ are using brute, [7] tweets:: https://twitter.c Manik and former chairperson of MDP and win- unrestrained force on the civilians they had sworn [8] expressed his views:: http://twitter.com/epi- ner of US International Women of Courage Ward to protect. I guess they are still within the tenets closer/status/166796940191870976 (2007) Mariya Ahmed Didi. There were many of the constitution even when they are breaking [9] has this to say: https://twitter.com/#!/haumal- more who were seriously injured.So if President their oaths and beat civilians to death and drag dives/status/166881894636589056 Waheed did not give the order, then we can safely a former president on the street like a common

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 3 criminal.Facts will be facts. The government led where we shall end up? People have been dragged presented him with an ultimatum: “Step down or by Nasheed had let these opposition protesters out of cafes and beaten, stopped on the streets and be faced with a bloodbath in the capital.” The deci- freely gather and protest, as baseless as their beaten, cornered like hunted prey and beaten... so sion, said his brother Ibrahim, was a no-brainer. claims were, even as they were hurling all sorts I might as well end up suffering the same for voic- On 16 January, Nasheed sparked public ire after of verbal filth, vandalizing property and what ing my thoughts, in this so-called free democracy. commanding the military to arrest Judge Abdulla not, for 22 days! for 22 days, and nobody ended You could perhaps try look for me in dhoonidhoo Mohamed. Mohamed’s prolonged detention with- up in the ICU. When former president maumoon :PStay safe, and remember this day. Remember out a court order was declared unconstitutional stepped down following the defeat in the 2008 to tell your kids of this history. The day that the and a number of institutions, among them the election, nobody laid a finger on him. During the police and the military killed democracy. The day Maldives human rights commission and Amnesty 23 December protest and the series of protests that the public opinion was silenced, and the inde- International, called for his release. In a strange that followed, none of the other political leaders pendent commissions went into a coma. The day reversal of roles, Nasheed’s failure to follow due of the political opposition were harmed either. In that women and elderly were mercilessly beaten process led Gayoom to yesterday declare on na- one day of this new government, we already have with batons by the people who had sworn to pro- tional television that autocracy could never take seen how ‘decently’ and ‘humanely’ people are tect them. The day that hope and freedom left this hold in the Maldives. For many, Nasheed, a former treated, and how well peace has been restored. It sad, miserable country plundered by goons and prisoner of conscience, had handed his detractors is all well and good to address the media in press thugs and their greedy, corrupt masters. the rope with which to hang him.Yet Nasheed’s conferences in ‘freshly pressed’ suits as BBC had disregard for the law, though wrong, was not reported, but it is another matter when none of http://airyfairybliss.blogspot. without reason. Allegations of judicial misconduct these smooth words (probably spoonfed by one com/2012/02/dark-days-in-maldivian- against Mohamed, who was released yesterday, of the puppet masters holding his strings) tie up history.html have stacked up over the years, his impunity high- with the actions. Sad thing is, when all this was lighted by his ability to evade police questioning. happening, 3 of the tv channels were sleeping! In the Maldives, Mohamed is perhaps best known Where are the institutions that were apparently The Guardian / Maryam Omidi for his request in 2005 that an underage victim of so crucial to uphold democracy?? Where were sexual assault re-enact her attack in an open court they when the legitimate government was ousted The Mal- – and in front of her abuser. More recently, he has by force? Supposedly the Human Rights Commis- been accused of stonewalling cases – especially of sion had expressed concern regarding the violence dives’ na- corruption – brought against opposition MPs with today. Then do something I say. The Police Integ- whom he has strong affiliations. The country’s rity Commission is urging the police to practice scent democ- judicial gridlock resulted in the government restraint. Do something! You think they will appealing to the UN for assistance last month. listen? They have to be brought to justice, they racy faces Most notable are the corruption charges against have to face repurcussions of their actions, they Gayoom’s half-brother, Abdulla Yameen, during have to be punished for blatant cruelty and abuse! an uncertain his time at the government-owned State Trading The fact that the police claimed to be upholding Organisation. Areport by forensic accountancy and defending the constitution when they sided future firm Grant Thornton, and a piece of investigative with the opposition i such a ridiculous joke! Ask journalism by CNN-IBN correspondent Sumon the 30 people in ICU at the moment, or the 200 in February 8, 2012 Chakrabarti, both show that Yameen had headed jail, all within 24 hours of the ‘new government’. An unpopular president has replaced a tarnished a scheme to buy discounted oil through the STO Democracy in deed!Yesterday, the police and mili- one, while corruption and violence shows no before selling it on to the Burmese military junta tary stormed into the state broadcaster MNBC’s signs of abating in the MaldivesJust hours after at black market prices.By yesterday afternoon, station. Who had the authority to change its name he was forced from office, Mohamed Nasheed, the calm had been restored to the island nation after to TVM? Who had given a broadcasting license to Maldives’ first democratically elected president, the vice president, Mohamed Waheed Hassan, TVM when it was airing in the morning? Where was said to be in “high spirits” by his brother, stepped into Nasheed’s shoes. For many, Has- was the Human Rights Commission - why were Ibrahim Nasim. Not bad given the 44-year-old san’s presidency will not last beyond next year’s they not concerned about the rights of the staff had just faced down a coup (the term used by his election – if indeed he manages to hang on until at MNBC who were emotionally traumatized? supporters) that ended with his resignation.Yester- then. Most Maldivians have never warmed to the Where was the Broadcasting Commission? Where day’s turn of events were a far cry from Nasheed’s idea of the former UN official as leader. A mild- was the famous Journalists Association? Hirigaa stunning 2008 electoral victory in the Maldives, mannered man and the first Maldivian to obtain Zahir was present at the President’s resignation a string of 1,200 coral islands sprinkled across a PhD, Hassan’s decision to leave the Maldives at press conference, so perhaps he was a bit too the Indian Ocean. The foreign media described two critical junctures in the country’s history, was occupied to be bothered about calling for the the triumph as a tale of good versus evil: human viewed by many as abandonment.The outcome rights of these journalists and MNBC staff. Or rights activist, jailed and tortured countless times, for the nascent democracy is less certain. Three maybe their concern only extends to journalists ousts ageing dictator against all odds. The young years after the country’s first multiparty election, of certain private media? After all a lady reporter president’s defence of free speech and climate the tit-for-tat politics, corruption and violence from Rajje TV was physically assaulted in front of change advocacy won him many accolades across that characterised the previous regime shows many people by an MP (the one who permanently the globe. However, within the Maldives, opinion no signs of abating. In the months leading up to looks unwashed and badly in need of a deo), and remained sharply divided along political lines. Nasheed’s departure, the opposition also wielded there was no big fuss about that. Today the cables Nasheed’s time in office was marred by a bitter another political weapon: religion. Increasingly of Rajje TV were cut off by none other than the tug-of-war with his predecessor, Maumoon Abdul he was accused of undermining Islam – a slur in police, during the live coverage of the protest Gayoom, whose brand of soft dictatorship had a “100% Sunni Muslim” nation with a growing by supporters of former president Nasheed. By prevailed for three decades. Following the 2008 conservative fringe.As of last night, these accusa- the Police! The police had smashed a window of election, the pair struck a deal: if Gayoom retired tions took a further twist: police officers sweeping MNBC, the police had burnt and destroyed and from politics, Nasheed would not pursue the through the presidential palace alleged to have locked up the meeting place of MDP, a party of many accusations of torture levelled against him. found empty bottles of alcohol, the consumption 50,000 people in a country of just over 300,000. Gayoom’s failure to keep his side of the bargain of which is illegal. And it is no small irony that if Where are these people concerned about freedom meant political fault lines in the Maldives have Nasheed is charged, the judge overseeing the case of speech, freedom of assembly, rights of the endured, with his supporters waiting for his will be ... Mohamed. media, this right, that right!?? There are no rights, return to the political stage.The crisis came to a only batons and tear gas and pepper spray! That head, when hundreds of anti-government protest- http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentis- is the image we have of our uniformed thugs and ers, including rebel police officers and members free/2012/feb/08/maldives-nascent-de- hounds now.This was a coup d’ etat. Clear and of the military, took to the streets of the capital, mocracy-faces-uncertain-future. Simple. This is what we call baghaavaaiy. If I dont Male, calling for Nasheed’s resignation. It was the post here again, that should also come as no big culmination of more than three weeks of daily surprise. This is the day of brute force and blatant demonstrations, following the arrest of a senior disregard for rights or human decency, of the con- criminal court judge. A statement from Nasheed’s stitution of rule of law, basically of all the things Maldivian Democratic party said his resignation we used to hold dear in this society. Who knows was “involuntary” and that the opposition had

4 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion country. Police stations and courts have been set Yameen Rasheed on fire in the rebellious south - a known MDP Reign of stronghold. The Police has since forcibly taken the President terror in and other senior figures into custody. The mayors elected members of Addu and Male’ have been the Mal- attacked in the street by the uniformed thugs. dives President Nasheed’s supporters in Male’ today February 8, 2012 The military state has taken over the state media, which refuses to show any of the protests or the There is a brutal, concerted effort by the runaway bloody crack down. (So much for ‘protecting the police department to crush protests by supporters constitution’) of President Nasheed, following his release today.I have personally witnessed the heavy handed tac- I am counting on foreign diplomats, media and tics employed to combat MDP activists, energized other agents of influence - anyone who reads my by the release of President Nasheed earlier today blog to make sure the truth is out there. after yesterday’s coup d’etat that forced him to resign.Tear gas was used indiscriminately on Or- I’ve always considered Dr Waheed a respectable, chid magu near the Supreme court building. Two moderate and learned man. But his government - people were beaten up and lay motionless on the installed by a coup d’etat staged by the powerful street for a long time before they were dragged opposition interests - is simply unjustifiable. and shoved into an ambulance.Then I saw a police There is no respectable option for him but to jeep speeding into a crowd of protesters. A police resign and hold immediate elections. jeep. Absolutely reprehensible. Every democracy of the world should condemn Man beaten unconscious by the riot police today this shocking power grab - and the subsequent [Pic source: Sun.mv] reign of terror.

I am not an MDP member. I have criticized Suddenly, we’re back in 2006 again. President Nasheed often. But witnessing the coup d’etat unfold yesterday before my eyes is This is first degree treason by the criminals in extremely troubling.Especially worrisome was uniform, the very people who are bound by law the violence and brutality of the “elite” riot police, to protect the citizens. Treason, by the leaders of created and trained under the Gayoom regime, PPM, DRP, the Islamist parties and others who who stormed into MDP quarters and trashed the have been working overtime to revive the old place, and severely beat up several MDP activists Gayoom establishment. in the events leading up to the coup. Treason. Plain and simple._UPDATE 1: I have seen videos of the MDP quarters set on fire and utterly destroyed. By the Police.The violence Sun.mv has posted a picture of Reeko Moosa leading up to the coup was simply unprecedented. Manik being taken into custody. The battered, The pitched battles between the police and the bloodied image of Reeko from earlier in this post military was simply unheard of. was obviously taken afterward. - clearly suggest- ing that the MP was beaten by the Police while in Traitors propping up the proxy government their custody. [Source: Haveeru] http://uglyy.blogspot.com/2012/02/ Images of bloodied and beaten MDP supporters reign-of-terror-in-maldives.html and activists are doing the rounds. From what I can see, the Police are showing absolutely no restraint. Endhimariyambu The Police and military are traitors to the na- tion. The country is now a military state, with a He was nei- runaway judiciary controlled by the old Gayoom establishment, and now a proxy government. ther Mandela In other words, every progress made under the democratic revolution is now completely reversed. nor Mugabe: Former MDP parliamentary group leader “Reeko” A Tribute to Moosa, after being attacked today by the “Police” [via Raajje TV] President The release of President Nasheed - no doubt under Mohamed Na- tremendous international pressure - is a huge tactical mistake by the coup leaders. sheed The country is full of ‘activists’, but none of them February 8, 2012 of the calibre of President Nasheed. His entry into a MDP meeting today, with a smile on his face, Whilst many Maldivians celebrate the recent visibly electrified the utterly demoralized MDP forced resignation of President Mohamed Na- of yesterday.Within no time, massive crowds sheed, at this critical juncture, it is also important of his supporters poured out on the streets in to remember the role Nasheed played in trans- Male’, Addu, and other population centers of the forming the social and political landscape of our

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 5 country. Nasheed is the country’s first ever demo- if it meant defying the Constitution. In 2009 he people admitted in the ICU! Now pat yourselves cratically elected leader and his rise to power ordered the army to take over the Supreme Court; on the back and puff out your chests and feel marked the beginning of the democratisation in 2010 he ordered the arrest of two political op- really good about yourselves. Hooray, you have process and most liberating era that the country ponents, Abdulla Yamin and Gasim Ibrahim; and now succeeded in winning the loathing, derision, has experienced in over half a century. Interna- most recently he ordered the arrest of the senior repulsion and total disdain by the public for your tionally, he is hailed as a crusader for democracy, judge, Abdulla Mohamed. Such decisions caused institution. As an added bonus you have also suc- the environment and his small island-nation, but the public to lose confidence in him as a law-abid- ceeded in ensuring the public’s utter lack of faith opinion of him is strongly divided amongst his ing leader and created opportunities to mobilise and confidence in your loyalty and allegiance to countrymen. Those who love Nasheed revere anti-government support. Thirdly, the failures of the oath which you took swearing to protect this him as their Mandela, a man who sacrificed his his party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), country, its rulers and its citizens. Aren’t you just freedom for a greater cause; but those that pas- played a significant role in discrediting his rule. oozing with self esteem and feelings of achieve- sionately wanted him deposed called him the The constant use of dangerous language by his ment now?I guess we can leave it to the photos ‘Mugabe of Asia’. One thing is for sure, he will be party members such as ‘we will stay in power for and the video footage, some of it captured by the remembered as the leader who was avidly elected the next 500 years at all costs’ or ‘we will arrest international media, to do the talking for you. I and expelled by the power of mass protest.It is anyone where we deem it justifiable’ fomented an bet those puppet masters are throwing their loyal important to remind ourselves that before 2008, iron fist image of his leadership. The parliamen- hounds pretty tasty bones. Perhaps the bones are the Maldives was ruled under an authoritarian tary bribery allegations associated with his party, juicy enough to forget that you are servants of regime which had lasted for 30 years, and civil lib- the use of thugs by his party members and the use the people!! We are your masters! You are here erties such as freedom of expression and freedom of inflammatory and hostile rhetoric by his party to ‘protect and serve’ us the people, never forget of assembly meant little to this regime. We should members in their public declarations and speeches that. You might have the tear gas, the pepper be indebted to Nasheed for setting the momentum only created further division within their support spray, the batons, the stun guns...they can only for democracy in the Maldives and paving the base, public mistrust and ample opportunities for injure and hurt and stab and kill so much...we way for the breakup of an authoritarian regime Nasheed’s opponents to slam his government. shall rise again, and once we are burnt we shall which had refused to leave, even after countless Forcing a leader we had democratically elected rise again... because we are not driven by hunger attempts to overthrow it. The attempts to oust to step down is a failure of our state. There are for power or wealth or false promises made by Gayyoom during his 30 year presidency were no winners here. His departure has created a conspiring merchants, we are driven by love for never successful because there was no conviction, political vacuum which is bound to be exploited the country, and commitment to the right and the sacrifice or appeal in those movements; there- by the eagerly awaiting religious extremists and truth. People power will prevail, know that and do fore it never gathered any momentum or mass opportunists in our country. I hope Nasheed not bask in your arrogance ignorant of the power support. What Nasheed did for us was to create a will take this defeat as a lesson and return to the of the passionate masses.The ‘new government’ movement, a longing for a political change which political arena with stronger policies, better allies is illegitimate. The international community will would allow us to think, speak, write and elect and more determination to safeguard the rights be turning a blind eye to the Maldives when freely. This is the greatest gift Nasheed gave us. It which he had fought for.Whilst we all anxiously the country and her people need its support the is this gift which ultimately paved the way for his await the fate of our next political chapter, I will most, if they do not take note, if they do not call own overthrow on 7th February 2012.Nasheed’s remember Nasheed for his positive contributions to restore the legitimate government to power, if fight for civil liberties began as early as 1990 – a to our country. Despite his shortcomings, he was they do not urge for the traitors and the mutinous period in which no Maldivian would dare to a true torch bearer for democracy and I will re- factions of the police and the defense force to utter any criticism against the government, and main indebted to him for the freedoms he helped be brought to justice, if they do not step in and political participation was a figment of one’s own us attain. He is nowhere close to perfect and he is stop these aggressions against unarmed civilians imagination. Between 1990 and 1999 Nasheed was neither our Mandela nor our Mugabe, but he will whose crime is only standing up for the demo- wrongfully accused of various crimes, arrested a be remembered as the man who planted the first cratic government they had fought for and won number of times, subjected to solitary confine- seed of change on our country. after decades of struggle and pain. Do not forget ment and violence, all because of his criticism the Maldives and her cry for help. You have taken of the government. One cannot fathom the level http://endhimariyambu.tumblr.com/ pleasure in our serene beaches, enjoyed the lan- of determination and resolve a young Nasheed post/17275933124/he-was-neither-mande- guid waves lapping at your feet, felt the welcome would have had in the 1990s, to be able to take la-nor-mugabe-a-tribute-to of our warm hospitality, seen our genuine smiles, the risks he took with so little public support or you have seen our tranquil paradise. Do not let courage.Though still developing, the democratic tyranny prevail over justice, do not let greed and provisions available in the Maldives today can be corruption triumph over the right and the truth. attributed to Nasheed’s efforts. The country’s first Cheeky Sylph political party was established under his auspices http://www.youtube.com/embed/WULGkBWIJZ8 and this consequently opened the political arena Good going, of the Maldives for participation and competi- http://www.youtube.com/embed/1ZgT9N5SjfQ tion. The country’s first democratic election took mutinous place through the ardent campaigns and pressure http://airyfairybliss.blogspot. fomented by him and many others who were traitors! com/2012/02/good-going-mutinous-trai- inspired by him. Many civil liberties which we tors.html enjoy today were granted to us as a result of his February 9, 2012 tireless campaigns and advocacy.True, Nasheed’s presidency was not without its faults, and his I guess you are all very proud of yourselves today, forced resignation was imminent for a number you in your shiny shoes and polished shields and Maldiviangist of reasons. Unfortunately his charisma and belief bloodsoaked batons and uniforms stained with in democratic ideals did little to help his political the blood of innocent, unarmed civilians.Yes I am The shear immaturity and the lack of creative thinking talking to you, traitors to this beloved country, within his party. He could have sustained his to this longsuffering people, to the constitution genius of power and support base had he not made some which (ah the hypocrisy) you claimed to defend fundamental political mistakes over the past three when you sided with the conspirators of this fear years. Firstly, for security he surrounded himself mutiny , the principles and ideals of democracy with cronies and relatives, many of whom fell which the people had fought, bled and died for, February 9, 2012 short of political ingenuity, competence and the and even basic humanity and decency.I’m sure ability to create progressive policies. As a result, you are very proud of yourselves. You managed http://www.youtube.com/embed/f-N68f4glEQ Nasheed’s regime failed to tackle the rising urban to arrest couple of hundred people who had been violence, corruption, economic problems and calling on you to do the right thing, you managed To witness a policeman use a truncheon to injure religious extremism in the Maldives. Secondly, he to beat up several of them badly, even kicking the skull of an innocent protestor is a life altering played into the hands of the opposition by focus- them while they were unconscious (didnt think experience.If you were there, you would know ing excessively on bringing down members of the they’d get that on camera did ya), and in a show how victims and witnesses of the bloodshed opposition or members from the past regime, even of your wonderful skills, even managed to get 30 were forced to relent in fear.In this day and age,

6 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion what follows is the enunciation of the truth on next to military and police headquarters. The come back to power and reassured that he has no media, videos and photos of crimes committed protesters threw bottles and stones at the police intention of grabbing power through street riots. against people by those who promised to serve while the police fired teargas canisters into the He also condemned the acts of violence his sup- and protect.But who is to blame? If you seek those crowd. The confrontation between the two sides porters had committed in various islands. who are guilty, accept guilt and blame yourself ended in a brutal crackdown by police, lead- for relenting.Because to relent in face of such ing to blood-soaked protesters being rushed to URLs in this post: brutality and violence is accepting to remain hospitals. Among those hurt were members of silent and obedient. It is accepting that it is “OK”. parliament and senior leaders of Nasheed’s party. [1] political crisis in the Maldives: http://global- It is accepting to “let it go”.What you must know, FreedomWatchMV [4] has posted this video of voicesonline.org/2012/02/07/maldives-on-brink- is behind the veil of violence unfolded yesterday the confrontation [5] between the security forces of-chaos/ is the “intent” of people in power to instill fear and protesters.Another video shows police drag- [2] riots that followed: http://www.abc.net. in our hearts. Make no mistake, the after taste of ging an MP and Nasheed out of a shop [6] after au/news/2012-02-09/violence-in-the-mal- fear we feel this morning is not by coincidence, it dispersing the crowd. Nasheed was released after dives/3819498 is by design.The people in power today know you a debate between the policemen about whether [3] his resignation on Tuesday: http://global- woke up this morning wanting normalcy, they he should be arrested or not. This video shows a voicesonline.org/2012/02/07/maldives-president- know you appreciate the comforts of everyday blood-soaked man narrating how the police beat resigns-after-mutiny/ routine. And that is exactly why they will bring him up.Yameen blogs about the events that took [4] FreedomWatchMV: https://www.youtube.com/ more instability and violence in days to come. place in Malé: [7] user/FreedomWatchMV They will make life unbearable to the extent [5] this video of the confrontation: https://www. you will succumb to strain, and in the end label There is a brutal, concerted effort by the runaway youtube.com/watch?v=WULGkBWIJZ8 themselves heroes as they give back the normalcy police department to crush protests by supporters [6] dragging an MP and Nasheed out that they took away from you in the first place. of President Nasheed, following his release today.I of a shop: https://www.youtube.com/ To feel fear is an old emotion rooted deep in the have personally witnessed the heavy handed tac- watch?v=aOxCEQ82MFM human condition and to be courageous is one of tics employed to combat MDP activists, energized [7] the events that took place in Malé:: http:// the most gratifying feelings a human can have by the release of President Nasheed earlier today uglyy.blogspot.com/2012/02/reign-of-terror-in- during their lifetime. But even courage cannot after yesterday’s coup d’etat that forced him to maldives.html exist without fear. You need to overcome fear resign.Tear gas was used indiscriminately on Or- [8] turned into a military dictatorship: http://mu- first to be courageous.Do not be afraid. Do not let chid magu near the Supreme court building. Two junaeem.tumblr.com/post/17272756740/maldives- the brutality continue. Although Anni broke the people were beaten up and lay motionless on the becomes-a-police-state coalition government, this is not the way to unify street for a long time before they were dragged [9] tweets:: https://twitter.com/#!/reallynattu/sta- it.We have to vote once more. Call for the resigna- and shoved into an ambulance.Then I saw a police tus/167235562779066368 tion of the new president Dr.Mohamed Waheed jeep speeding into a crowd of protesters. A police Hassan Manik. That is the only way to right this jeep. Absolutely reprehensible. http://globalvoicesonline. wrong. org/2012/02/09/maldives-marred-by-vio- Police brutality on protesters. Image by anony- lence/. http://maldiviangist.blogspot. mous. used with permission. com/2012/02/shear-genius-of-fear.html. Muju Naeem ponders if the Maldives has turned into a military dictatorship [8]: The resort workers blog Global Voices / Saffah Faroog So if President Waheed did not give the order, So, was it then we can safely assume that the security forces Maldives: were acting on their own. What this means is a coup or that we have incidentally slipped into a military/ Marred by police dictatorship where the executive is there not? only in name only.Maldives has become a police Violence state.Maldivian Twitter users have started using 3 February 10, 2012 hashtags to tell their story. Please follow;1. #mal- February 9, 2012 divespolicestate2. #mvprotest3. #mvcoup The recent change of administration in the coun- try raises a lot of interesting questions. Already The political crisis in the Maldives [1] took an Following the events in the capital, Nasheed’s the vanquished MDP party has determined that ugly turn on Wednesday 8 February, 2012, when supporters responded by rioting in outer islands, the former president Anni was unseated by a police brutally beat and injured supporters of setting police stations on fire, throwing stones military (or a civilian?) coup. The opposition the ousted President Mohamed Nasheed as they at policemen on duty and burning down courts claims otherwise. So who is telling the truth and protested against what they claimed to be a coup and several other public buildings. In a number who is lying? Or could it be that this situation has that removed the island nation’s first democrati- of islands they drove the police out and seized also joined the philosophical realm where both cally elected president from power.In the riots the police stations.Maldivians and foreigners are truth and falsehood are somehow intertwined?So that followed [2], Nasheed’s supporters torched tweeting about the new wave of violence that has we leave our friends and fellow resort workers and destroyed a number of police stations, courts, gripped the holiday haven.foram divrania tweets: to answer these questions below. If they are pro local council offices and other public buildings. MDP then they may answer the “If so” questions. Scores of police officers were hurt in the violence @divrania: Peace to Maldives..ur too beautiful for The rest may answer the “If not” questions...If so too.Earlier in the day, in a meeting of Maldivian politics and violence. Democratic Party (MDP), the party which won Who are the coup leaders? A few private police the first multiparty election of the Maldives in Nattu tweets: [9] @reallynattu: “@hisherm: I boys cannot hide after doing such a big thing. 2008 and brought Nasheed to presidency, the don’t support any political parties. I support deposed President announced that his resigna- Maldives.” Including Me! What were the motivation? Over work? Fatigue? tion on Tuesday [3] was coerced.“We will come to Could be because there has been almost constant power again,” Nasheed said. “We will never step There is an eerie calm in the islands and the nightly demonstrations prior to the fateful day. back. I will not accept this coup and will bring capital on Thursday as people remain tense about justice to the Maldivians.” what could happen next. In a press conference, Are the police and military same minded? Re- the commanders of the police and military as- member, there is only HQ for all our forces. Police charge teargas on protesters. Image by sured that order will be restored and promised to anonymous photographer, used with permission. investigate the previous day’s violence.Speaking There are allegations that police and military to journalists at his residence, Nasheed said he were bribed. But they are also highly paid, so who Nasheed and his supporters then marched was forced to resign by some military personnel would have financed the big bribery campaign? through the capital Malé and faced a line of police as the country’s police force mutinied against How much could be the tipping point for a ser- behind shields near the island’s main square, just his rule. Calling for fresh elections, he vowed to viceman/woman? We understand that the average

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 7 monthly salary of our armed forces personnel is a government”To tarnish your honorable image One would think when a Commander-in-Chief is higher than 1000$ per month. even further, you unleashed a brutal and violent this angry, soldiers should react instantly. But the police force on a peaceful mass of protestors on troops in this video are no different from pedestri- Why did it took a huge MDP congress meeting to the very first day of your Presidency. The rage of ans passing through casually ignoring a mad man realize that it was a coup? the police against the very people it promised to raving about an imaginary dangerous situation protect is now littered all over the internet and all outside.My final point here is - would you rather Why did the MDP congress hastily pass a resolu- the fingers of blame point right at your forehead. imagine a very composed President Mohamed tion to block the line of communication with the Even still, there is a sense of belief amongst many Waheed Hassan Manik yesterday afternoon sit- current administration and called it illegitimate? that you are not in control of the police and the ting in his air-conditioned office at the President’s defense force responsible for the crimes they com- Office giving orders to “beat down” and “arrest” Why did the police allow massive damage to their mitted. Many still believe it is not in your nature all peaceful protestors?ORyou prefer a raving ma- facilities in the islands? We understand that more to command such violence. Perhaps this is true. niac of a President Nasheed screaming orders at than 9 regional police and military facilities were Since being sworn in as our new leader and the the top of his lungs to “calm the situation down” torched by angry MDP mobs. More than 30 police protest that ensued, the country has slipped into to deaf soldiers who continues to ignore him.Your and military vehicles have also been torched in utter chaos. The people are afraid of a leadership decision.Rest assured, the rest of this video will Addu alone, most of them have only recently been in struggle and the only communication from the get leaked if he indeed gave the order to shoot donated by China for the SAARC summit. new leader has been in the form of a Press release people down. If it does not, it merely becomes from your office.Why are you afraid to go on Na- material for a character debate.Let us all wait Did the command structure broke down after the tional TV and make a personal appeal for peace? and see. There is a policeman with a camera on coup? Does that happen after the military win? the people of Maldives wish to see the face of a the ground recording every second of President After they win why did they gave command again leader advocating for peace and in replace you Nasheed’s last moments in power. to an unpopular president and an even more un- gave them images of violence followed by a foot- popular and ineffectual opposition coalition? note. First impressions count Dr.Waheed, and this http://maldiviangist.blogspot. is what we will all remember of you as our Presi- com/2012/02/nasheeds-last-moments.html if not dent.Dear sir, the masses that have rallied behind MDP is not willing to forget. They too are part of Why did the police use excessive force to breakup the unity you so crave to create. But i am afraid the first strike after Anni was unseated? the ship has sailed too soon to get them onboard. Jay Ulfelder You have sparked hatred in the hearts of people Why did they (who?) changed the official TV behind President Nasheed, not their respect and Why Egyp- channel (MNBC1) to its former name (TVM)? obedience.You are now at the center stage of a social trap, with no where to go, no power to lead. tians Should Why did they hastily gave ownership of all Resign and call for fresh elections before we start government media to opposition media regulatory remembering you as a cowardice puppet president Care about body MBC? who destroyed democracy.Regards,Maldiviangist the Maldives Why did the criminal court issue an arrest war- http://maldiviangist.blogspot. rant for former president Mohamed Nasheed com/2012/02/letter-to-waheed.html. Coup (Anni)? February 10, 2012 Why is the parliament (still on vacation) unchar- acteristically quiet when these massive develop- Maldivan Gist I knew nothing about the Maldives until it popped ments happen? MDP has the majority even in the into the news this week, but what I’m seeing parliament now and yet they seem to unable to Nasheed’s there now looks very familiar, as it should to any- cut their all important holiday short– when the one who studies how new democratic regimes so country is literally burning. last moments often sputter and fail.The Republic of Maldives is a tiny archipelago state off the southern tip of India Any questions? February 10, 2012 with a population of only about 314,000. Fish are its leading export, but its economy depends most http://maldivesresortworkers.wordpress. http://www.youtube.com/embed/2yG6SGNVmp0 heavily on beach tourism. The Maldives gained com/2012/02/10/so-was-it-a-coup-or-not/ independence from the British in 1965 and was The video uploaded to youtube shows an agitated ruled for most of the ensuing 45 years by one President Nasheed giving frantic orders. I have man, Mamoun Abdul Gayoom. Years of pro- listened to the audio over and over again, i cannot democracy activism finally spurred the govern- Maldivian Gist clearly make out an order to fire bullets during ment to open the door to multiparty politics in the entire course of the video as the user who 2003, and the state became a democracy in 2008 Letter to uploaded it claims in the caption.What i do make when its first free and fair elections delivered the out clearly is “Nikumey!” - “Get out” and “Mithan presidency to longtime activist leader Mohamed Waheed himeyn kobbala...mithan himeyn kobbala kaley- Nasheed.The 2008 elections terminated a long men” - “calm (this place) down...calm (this place) period of authoritarian rule, but they did not February 10, 2012 down, all of you”, “Mulhi raajje halaaku kuranee instantly transform the fundamentals of the politi- kaleymen thibegen” - “you are destroying the cal economy that developed under al-Gayoom’s Dear Dr.Waheed,Only 3 days ago, we remem- whole of Maldives”The truth is, there are some government. That transformation would require bered you for the Masters in Political Science sentences you can clearly hear and others you deeper change, and President Nasheed’s efforts and Doctorate of Philosophy in International can’t quite make out. Therefore, even if he gave an to bring about those reforms seem to be what Development Education from Stanford Univer- order to shoot, it is not clearly heard, hence why recently got him into trouble. In 2010, the New sity, the services in parliament in the 1980s to the mixed comments on this video.My own hunch York Times reported: protect the civil and political rights of the people, is, if his intention was to “calm the situation your illustrious career in the United Nations in down” by “firing bullets”, i think he would have The government of the Maldives wants its money particular as head of UNICEF in Afghanistan, for said that much louder and clearer like how he back — $400 million to be precise. That is the your kindness and dignified personality.But today, kept on saying to “go out and calm the situation amount that it estimates was looted by its former the entire world recognizes you as a President down”The behavior of the Mohamed Nasheed to president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, and his who assumed power in a coup d’etat. Your name some may appear very unpresidential. But what associates. Mr. Gayoom dominated politics in is up on the list with the likes of Quboos of Oman, i see is a Commander-in-Chief of a National the Maldives, a tiny Indian Ocean nation, for 30 Omar al-Bashir of Sudan, Idriss Deby of Chad - all Defense Force who has lost it because none of his years. After winning six successive single-party leaders who came to power the way you did - a soldiers are following orders to go out and calm a elections, he finally bowed to popular pressure Coup d’etat - by definition “illegal disposition of dangerous situation that could destroy the nation. and allowed open elections in 2008. He lost. He is

8 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion one of a number of politically connected figures bureaucrats must be convinced to subject their — some alive, others dead — who are the targets sinecures to the rule of laws adopted by represen- of increasingly coordinated efforts to repatriate tatives they do not choose. Men with guns must misappropriated funds. Results to date have been be convinced that they will be better off refraining encouraging, but much more can be done, officials from picking sides in partisan fights or seizing and development experts say. A report from the direct control of government when they don’t like Maldives’ national auditor released in 2009 reads how much money it spends on them or what it like a guidebook on self-enrichment. The presi- tells them to do.For democracy to survive under dent’s spending was “out of control,” it said, as Mr. these conditions, political and military leaders Gayoom used his power to live a lavish lifestyle have to gain confidence that every political con- and extend largesse to those around him. frontation is not a gladiatorial death match, and that their rivals can’t or won’t try to win those As President Nasheed’s administration struggled confrontations by simply usurping power and “to get its money back,” it found its efforts im- demolishing the arena. This trust is impossible to peded. When the president tried to overcome one manufacture. It seems instead to rise and decline small piece of that resistance by ordering the ar- fitfully, and the confrontations whose successful rest of an uncooperative criminal court judge, the resolution might deepen that trust more often lead judge refused to go, and the president’s opponents instead to resumptions of authoritarian rule. We took to the streets to protest. The Times described can recognize and even vaguely understand all of the final spiral this way: this and still not know how to make it happen dif- ferently.So what usually happens instead is what Recently, Mr. Nasheed’s popularity has suffered as happened this week in the Maldives. Motivated by the economy of the Maldives has struggled. Then, mixtures of ambition and fear, partisan rivals get last month, Mr. Nasheed ordered the military to stuck in a downward spiral of distrust that leads arrest the criminal court judge, Abdulla Mo- eventually to an undemocratic resolution. These hamed, accusing the judge of acting on behalf of resolutions often take the form of a military coup, Mr. Gayoom and compromising the fairness of the where the guys with guns decide to take matters country’s courts. The arrest, which was widely into their own hands or, as in the Maldives, side condemned, prompted the nightly protests in with the rebellious opposition. In many other Male that peaked on Monday. “The real catalyst, cases, the confrontation is resolved by executive last night, was that the police decided that they coup, where incumbent officials ensure their con- wouldn’t disperse the protesters,” said Mohamed tinuation in power by tightening the screws on Hussain Shareef, the spokesman for Mr. Gayoom’s their political rivals or just rigging or scrapping party, the Progressive Party of Maldives. Mr. Sha- elections. Opposition parties sometimes rebel, reef contended that soldiers had balked as well as but those rebellions very rarely succeed; instead, the police. “We were told that the army was also they are usually either quashed or hijacked by a asked to disperse the protesters using live rounds,” collaboration of opportunistic political insiders he said. The Associated Press reported that and state security forces.Anyone who cares about troops had initially fired rubber bullets. S. Ahmed the fate of new democracies in Egypt, Tunisia, or Shiyam, a police subinspector in Male, said there really anywhere should care about this pattern, were clashes between police officers and soldiers because it foretells the likely futures of those on Monday evening and early Tuesday morning, regimes. I don’t mean this to be a declaration of with some of the protesters joining on the police helplessness in the face of these patterns as much side. Then some soldiers switched sides as well, as a frank assessment of the depth of the challeng- he said. An official close to Mr. Nasheed denied es involved. As I’ve said before, I’m a short-term that the president had ordered soldiers to fire on pessimist but a long-term optimist. In their bril- the protesters. Rather, he said, the president chose liant overview of political development through- to resign specifically to avoid such violence. “He out recorded history, Douglass North, John Wallis, faced the choice of seeing a lot of blood by ask- and Barry Weingast drly note (p. 27) that “historic ing the military to crack down,” said the official, transitions [of the sort described here] occurred who asked not to be identified, given the political within relatively brief periods, typically about volatility of the moment. “But he wasn’t prepared fifty years.” Replace that last comma with a pause to do that.” for comic timing, and you get a better sense of what I have in mind. What seems apparent from the bits of information I’ve been able to find is that political polarization http://dartthrowingchimp.wordpress. had amped up long before the recent showdown com/2012/02/10/why-egyptians-should- over judge Mohamed. Some of that polariza- care-about-the-maldives-coup/ tion seems to have resulted from an economic slowdown that hit the Maldives in 2011, some from a disagreement over the proper role of Islam in politics, but surely some also resulted from the new government’s attempts to discover and Ashween Mohamed dismantle the networks of patronage and corrup- tion left over from the ancien regime. Presidential Violent Mal- elections were due in 2012, and President Na- sheed’s move against judge Mohamed apparently dives strengthened their belief that he was willing to do whatever it would take to cement his continua- February 10, 2012 tion in office and continue his fight against their interests.These are the familiar and formidable We are so powerful, we are so unstoppable eh??!! challenges of democratic consolidation. New Just asking, as i see Maldivians fighting each democracies are not drawn on blank slates. The other only because the Maldivian elites are using development of democratic institutions that per- em to gain power, wealth and control over the sist usually requires a transformation of deeper people. STOP FUCKING WORKING FOR THEM arrangements in which powerful groups are heav- MORONS..!!! These elites are using you guys for ily invested. Wealthy individuals and powerful their own benefit. Maumoon, you sure do have

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 9 got power over these innocent people man. Please like in the good old days of the dictatorship. every effort at public resistance.”You’ll encourage let em be free, please cut em lose. It’s cannot be violence!””Don’t disturb the peace!””Act within always be about you man. http://www.youtube.com/embed/voTtk7jWSMA the law!”I am usually an advocate of Gandhi’s methods of non-cooperation and peaceful civil Maumoon must have felt like he was floating On their very first day after coming to power, disobedience. But having seen people - people I ya?!!aah..Maldivians.. the proxy dictatorship has rounded up several don’t even know or recognize - being beaten up hundred people - my dad among them, who has unconscious in front of me by a state-sanctioned You guys changed the government only because given me first hand information - and detained mob has flipped some kind of switch inside you saw Maumoon cheating on us and that is them in prisons. me.Right at this moment, I can absolutely justify under the table. (corruption) the outrage and the anger of the people in my The air in the capital has once again acquired the hometown of Addu. Following the brutal crack- You didn’t want Anni because he wanted to familiar sting of tear gas, people have been beaten down on President Nasheed’s supporters in Male’, change the judiciary which is like the home of unconscious on the streets, and MP’s have been they burned down all the police stations and Maumoon and his gang. And almost all the deals clobbered half to death.Even the toppled President courts in Addu - and I can say I fully understand made by this government are been made right in himself has been roughed up by Golhaa’s mad the sentiment.Gross brutality by a state militia front of your eyes without you guys saying noth- dogs. is a strong provocation, Dr Jameel. Do not act ing.. (corruption again) surprised and pull the ‘terrorism’ card when President Nasheed, after being attacked by Police people react with violence.The Golhaa might have Look at the Councilors you guys voted for, Afra, thugs [Source: Haveeru] returned. But I think the citizens have wised up and few other Dhivehi movie actors (i really just a little since the last revolution. If you don’t would like to say movie stars just like u guys refer The traitorous coup leaders have moved quickly. put your mad dogs on a leash, the people will. to yourselves, hmm.. but no) Despite their ridiculous pretext of ‘upholding the PS: I usually try to refrain from using words like constitution’, the planning involved was evident ‘thugs’ when referring to state authorities. How- What does all this tell u..??!!what does all in the manner in which the MNBC state media ever, after witnessing the brutality and violence this proves to you??!! THAT .YOU GUYS ARE was taken over within hours of the coup. inflicted by the Golhaa force, I find that no words MORONS..??!!ahaha.. That’s the only thing I can can truly express my revulsion and contempt for think of after observing the way you guys acted. It was then handed over to the management of these criminals.By calling them ‘thugs’, I’m actu- Jameel went and took oath as the home minis- opposition propaganda outlet VTV, and immedi- ally being needlessly polite.~Peace! ter??!! You can do that now??!! Anyone can go ately renamed as ‘TVM’ as it was known earlier and take an oath and become a minister, just like during the Golhaa dictatorship.While the Golhaa’s http://uglyy.blogspot.com/2012/02/chap- that??!! And what did Jameel do after becoming thugs were on a rampage against civilians in ter-iii-return-of-golhaa.html. the home minister??!! Ordered more violence and public, the state media and opposition propaganda torture??!! It sure does seem that way dude..!!! outlets were playing children’s cartoons.

People..!!! There is still a government the people A man beaten unconscious by riot police the day Cheeky Sylph has chosen, and there is no harm in this govern- after the coup. [source: sun.mv] ment. This government has established so many Lies, lies, applications that mankind needs for it’s develop- The heads of the Police and Armed forces have ment, applications that Maldives never had before. been replaced with Golhaa loyalists. The Execu- lies… elec- The freedom of speech, more awareness about the tive cabinet is being reconstituted with Golhaa outside world and promoting the basic human apologists.To consolidate their power over the tion NOW! rights only came with this government. Ya, am state after a 3 year absence, however, the Golhaa talking about the freedom and speech, freedom knows he needs to get Anni off the streets. February 11, 2012 of religion and such. People need to be free..!! You Yesterday, the newly appointed Home Minister guys need to be happy..you guys need to stop Mohamed Jameel of the DQP - an impossibly I just watched a press conference of the new fighting each other and try carrying on a dialogue humourless man, a Gayoom ally and a prominent President of the illegtimitate government with or something, be less violent..!! I sure think that’s party involved in this gross treason - has revealed foreign media. Smooth words, gestures, and more civilized..!! Don’t you ??!!! All i know is, The in a press conference that he intends to charge the I must say smooth suit. But that doesnt fool Maldivians gotta come to their senses, and chill ex-President with terrorism.Sounds familiar? It anyone. In order to convince them that there out..!! should be. This won’t be the first time the Golhaa absolutely was ‘no plan, no plot’ to overthrow dictatorship has charged Anni with terrorism the government of Mohamed Nasheed, he went http://humanbein.blogspot.com/2012/02/ and put him behind bars.It shouldn’t matter what to the extent of saying ‘see how unprepared we violent-maldives.html the charges are. The mid-level Courts are hand are. We don’t have a communication strategy. picked by the Golhaa, and their only apparent We dont have the people’... EXACTLY! Maybe responsibility is to carry out the Golhaa’s bidding. it just goes to show your sheer incapability, and So they could charge him with stealing Christ- discord among the mutinous coalition (because mas, and still get a conviction.Indeed, the Courts everyone wants a bigger piece of the pie I believe) have already issued an arrest warrant.The only and that there is no one to serve you because thing that stands between Anni and an eternity you don’t have the people’s hearts, their love and Yameen Raheed in prison is the international goodwill that he has support and admiration! There will be no peace, built up - and whatever influence that carries with no contentment, no fulfillment in your ‘triumph’. Chapter III: the proxy dictatorship.I don’t know how we have As Montesqueu says, “An empire founded by let this happen. But it is clear to me that we Mal- war has to maintain itself by war”. With a poker Return of divians need to flip back our calendars a few years face he says, we have no political prisoners. No and start over again.We simply cannot afford to political prisoners!? Many people have been ar- the Golhaa go back to being enslaved by the Golhaa, or live in rested all over the country, especially in densely terror of the Golhaa force again.And this time, we populated islands like Thinadhoo and the islands February 10, 2012 need to do a better job of flushing the piled up, 30 of Addu Atoll, where support for Nasheed has year old shit that’s clogging our pipes, and care- been strong and protesters have raged against the The coup d’etat was pulled off without a hitch.The fully sort out the judiciary, the Gayoom clan, his police stationed there. Maldivians, especially the country’s first democratically elected President corrupt cronies, and his “Star Force” thugs. It’s the youth, need to take note of whats at stake here, has been removed from office, and in his place only way the Maldives can ever progress. and stand up for what is right. I shall pepper in has been installed a puppet government of the another of Montesqueu’s quotes, “The tyranny Gayoom establishment.The Golhaa has already These criminals need to be in prison. Not beating of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to unleashed his rabid dogs - the mob of violent, up citizens [Source: Haveeru] the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a uniformed criminals known as “Star force” - upon democracy”. There is no room for apathy here, the people to intimidate them into surrender, just Just as before, there are those who’ll oppose no space for passive inaction. People need to be

10 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion proactive, take initiative, and take charge of their democratically elected President of the country country. Take back what is ours from the clutches Mohamed Nasheed, several Maldivian business- Himal South Asian /Azra Naseem of the few corrupt merchants and their thugs men joined the 200 or so protestors who gathered who are pulling the strings. A handful of people on the Republican Square, adjacent to Police and Gone at gun- have taken over by force, and we cannot sit in Defense Headquarters in Male for close to three apathy, and look away. To quote Martin Luther weeks. The protest, and the ensuing coup, is point King Jr, “Change does not roll in on the wheels believed to be funded by key businessmen in the of inevitability, but comes through continuous Maldivian tourism industry as well as by a half February 11, 2012 struggle. And so we must straighten our backs brother of former president Gayoom, MP Abdulla and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you Yameen. Both Gasim and Yameen were seen As the sun rose over Male on 7 February, the unless your back is bent”. Nobody else will step in addressing the protesters as well as the Police Maldives’ first democratically elected president, and do it for us. We have to speak and stand up and Defence officers attending them, offering Mohamed Nasheed, was being held at gunpoint for what is right and true. What is the purpose of them to ‘join with us in return for taking care of by a dozen or so military officers. He faced a stark power, when you have neither respect nor love? them’.Meeting with the press yesterday, ousted choice: resign or allow the country to be drowned What good are your weapons and your police President Nasheed said “at least four resort own- in a bloodbath. For Nasheed, a pro-democracy and your military when you alienate and lock up ers are heavily involved in this” but he mentioned campaigner and former prisoner of conscience and drive away the people? Is there a country only Mr Gasim Ibrahim, owner of the Villa Group, who played a pivotal role in toppling former without the people? When one takes into account “only because he was seen in the protests and has president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s 30-year- the crowd that took to the streets on 8 February been openly vocal about his support to topple the long dictatorship, the choice was clear. He would on the impromptu march without any prior plan- government”, and refused to comment further resign. ning or notice whatsoever, one can see who has until an investigation was carried out. Mr. Gasim the public support and who they think is in the Ibrahim has been running a hate campaign on Gathered outside the military compound at right. Friends of mine who have been politically Villa TV, a local channel he owns along with Republic Square – so named for being the scene neutral are siding with President Nasheed in this several five star hotels in the Maldives, an airline, of a failed coup against Gayoom’s regime in instance because they too can see that this was airport, as well as several other businesses. He fell November 1988 – were prominent members of the mutiny, this was a blatant coup! How can there out with President Nasheed soon after he lost the opposition and clergy. Also present were several be a new government without an election, or an 2008 Presidential Elections to Nasheed. Although hundred protestors, many of whom had been overthrow? It has to be one of these two. Why he was an initial coalition partner in the Nasheed on the streets of Male for 22 consecutive nights, would such a popular president resign without Administration, he resigned within weeks into demonstrating loudly and often violently against cause? The international community needs to the new government citing dissatisfaction with a decision made by Nasheed’s government to look into this, to safeguard the democracy that President Nasheed. Both MPs Gasim and Yameen take Abdulla Mohammed, the chief judge of the they so staunchly promote and defend. Why is were also arrested in 2009 for allegedly attempt- Maldives Criminal Court, into military custody. Waheed’s government so reluctant to have an ing to ‘bribe’ Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Nasheed had arrived at the scene, where election now? To put all fears to rest, to calm parliamentarians.Hussain Afeef Champa, brother protests had continued all night, around 6:30 am. down everyone with a clear and deciding vote and of Dhi TV owner Uchoo, partner of Crown put an end to all sorts of allegations, why not? Company and one of the wealthiest businessman The president had barely been escorted into the He stated today that he will not have an election in the Maldives. He financed Dr. Jameel and Dr. military’s headquarters before celebrations began any time before the presidential election to be Hassan Saeed in the 2008 Presidential elections. in the square. ‘He has resigned!’ people shouted heldin 2013. That is fear I tell you. They are scared Both Jameel and Hassan Saeed were made cabinet and cheered. It was as if those outside could see because they know the people are with Nasheed. ministers soon after the coup as they were part through the high walls of the military compound, Have an election now! “The time is always right of the efforts that eventually led to the the forced as if they knew what was about to happen within to do what is right” - Martin Luther King Jr “To resignation of the first democratically elected those walls. As triumph thickened the air over the give victory to the right, not bloody bullets, but president of the Malidves, Mohamed Nasheed.. square, and as Nasheed was being forced to write peaceful ballots only, are necessary” - Abraham In addition to Yameen and Gasim, the other main his letter of resignation, the country’s main televi- Lincoln Stay tuned for updates :) Hopefully I shall financial contributors of the coup are believed to sion stations were already announcing his resig- have something more cheerful to write about... be the owner of Dhi TV and resort owner Champa nation. The state television broadcaster, MNBC, and if not there’s always my ranting... Ps- I have (Ucchu), Mr. Saleem (Aagadhage), an architect and had been taken over by defecting members of the just moved to my honey’s place, and because I am partner of Crown Company and partner of Cham- Maldives Police Service early that morning. always lousy with moving, I have only brought pa Hussain Afeef (brother of Uchchu). Dhi TV has along ONE pair of shoes and ONE bag...and I have been running a smear campaign against the MDP Videos exist, although not yet in the public do- managed to sail through a week without bother- and the MDP government since setting up the main, of armed officers forcing MNBC staff down ing about it. I always knew I wasn’t such a diva! channel in July 2008, in time for the presidential on their knees as part of the takeover. Pictures :D election in October of the same year. The same al- circulating on social-media sites show about 70 legations leveled at President Nasheed then (at the security personnel in uniform posing triumphant- http://airyfairybliss.blogspot. com/2012/02/lies-lies-lies-election- time, MDP presidential candidate) have repeated ly in the MNBC compound taken shortly after now.html. over the last three years.In addition, small time (see accompanying photo). As television stations businessmen such as MP Red Wave Saleem, who pre-emptively announced Nasheed’s resignation, has several charges of corruption leveled against prominent opposition leader and 2013 presidential him, is also believed to have funded the coup, and candidate Gasim Ibrahim, who had earlier been at Haruge was seen addressing the protests leading up to Republic Square, now appeared on VTV, his own the coup, making similar offers to the police and television channel. He was beaming widely. ‘He Money be- defense officers as Mr Gasim and Yameen, ‘to look has resigned? It has finally happened? ... Alhamdh after them and their families’ in return for defect- lillah, Allah akbar!’ he cried. ‘Thanks be to Allah! hind the 07 ing the forces. And although not visible in the God is great!’ media, it is also alleged that Mr. Ahmed Syam Mo- February hamed, owner of the Sun Travels group may also The Islamic prayer sounded unnatural coming have funded the coup. His online media, www. from a man known less for his religiosity than Coup in Mal- sun.mv has not covered the police brutality on the for his womanising, and for owning one of the day after the coup and they are misinforming the biggest stakes in the country’s tourism industry. dives public on the current crisis through misinforma- But it was not surprising. A majority of Maldivian tion and biased reporting. politicians have been drawing much strength – of February 11, 2012 the political if not the spiritual variety – from http://haruge.com/?p=220 Allah in recent times. ‘Rejoice’, Gasim said, ‘the Ahmes Siyam, owner of Sun Travels Hotels deed is done!’ Shortly afterwards, VTV switched including two resorts managed by Hilton GroupIn to discussions about the Prophet Mohamed’s the series of events that led to the 7 February conquest of Mecca in 630 AD. The analogy was 2012 coup in the Maldives that ousted the first clear: the god-fearing Maldivian opposition had

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 11 successfully defended the country from an ‘enemy Judge Abdulla Mohamed. Waheed condemned of Islam’, and saved its people from the path to the action, highlighting the unconstitutionality hell that the anti-Islamic and amoral Nasheed had of the act and his general aversion to any such set them on. behaviour. Using his blog, where matters of na- tional concern and personal matters (such as his Over an hour after the announcement of his birthday) receive equal importance, he expressed resignation had been made on the national media, shame at President Nasheed’s decision. Citing Nasheed himself appeared on television and reit- the Maldives Constitution of 2008 and various erated the announcement. ‘I sincerely believe that instruments of international law that prohibit if this government is to remain in power, substan- arbitrary detention, Waheed described himself as tive force – which would harm many citizens – bewildered by the fact that the judge’s arrest was will become necessary,’ he said. As someone who ‘not an issue for everyone in the country’. ‘I am had ‘never wished to rule by force’, he announced, ashamed and totally devastated by the fact that he was resigning. this is happening in a government in which I am elected the Vice President,’ he wrote. Waheed’s Almost within the hour, Nasheed’s vice-president, shame with the government, however, was not Mohamed Waheed Hassan, was sworn in as the sufficient to cause him to resign. new president. Present at the ceremony were prominent opposition figures including Abdulla Remaining ensconced within the government, Yameen – former president Gayoom’s brother, a Waheed publicly sided with the opposition forces 2013 presidential candidate and a defendant in a that had been staging violent demonstrations lawsuit alleging embezzlement of over USD 800 across the country since 16 January this year, million from state funds. Administering the oath when Judge Abdulla was taken into custody. to Waheed was Speaker of the Parliament Abdulla On 31 January, at 1:00 in the morning, Waheed Shahid, also a prominent member of Gayoom’s welcomed into his official residence the leaders of regime. In his first address to the nation as eight opposition parties and a coalition of NGOs president, Waheed thanked the Maldives Police known as the December 23 Alliance. Under the Services for the sacrifices they had made. ‘Today banner ‘Defending Islam’, the latter had staged is the day the rule of law has been established in the largest religious demonstration in the history the country perfectly,’ he proclaimed. Asked by of the country on 23 December 2011, and has journalists to comment on reports of a coup, the since played a crucial role in constantly highlight- new president pulled at the lapels of his freshly ing alleged anti-Islamic activities of President pressed suit, shrugged slightly, smiled from the Nasheed’s government. corner of his mouth and replied: ‘Do I look like somebody who would bring about a coup d’etat?’ A week after opening his doors to the alliance That question was his answer to one of the key leaders (who went directly to his home from questions facing the beleaguered Maldivian marching on the streets of Male), Waheed was democracy. present at Republic Square on 7 February, when President Nasheed was escorted into the military Waheed’s rise: Waheed denies not just that headquarters by officers who had sided with the he fits the profile of a typical coup instigator – opposition’s plan to depose him. They then held whatever that may be – but also that he had any the president inside at gunpoint. role to play in the events that led to his former boss being held at gunpoint. Lacking the charisma Cunning plans: Wholly missing from the dis- that has made Nasheed a well-liked figure both course of Waheed, the self-proclaimed champion in domestic and international circles, Waheed of the rule of law, were the violations of the currently has very little popular support. Not a Constitution that allowed Judge Mohamed to be single member of his Gaumee Itthihad Party (GIP) on the bench in the first place. When Abdulla occupies a seat in the Parliament. The opposite Mohammed was first appointed, during Gayoom’s had been true when he first joined Maldivian poli- rule, he already had a criminal conviction for pub- tics, in the early 1990s. In Waheed’s own words, lic proclamations of sexist and extremist ideology. he had enjoyed ‘unprecedented levels’ of support During his tenure, several more complaints of back then. various types – including allegations of misogyny, sexual deviancy and of throwing out an assault Waheed blames the loss of his popularity on a case despite a confession by the accused – were smear campaign by former President Gayoom’s filed against him at the Judicial Service Commis- brothers-in-law in the lead-up to the parliamen- sion (JSC). tary elections of 1989. He served briefly as an MP but left Maldivian politics behind after three On January 26, the online Maldivian newspaper months as, according to his personal website, Minivan News published in full a letter sent in his constituency ‘was unable to offer him sup- July 2005 by then-Attorney General Hassan Saeed port due to restrictions on political activity’. to President Gayoom detailing several specific al- Since re-joining the Maldives’ turbulent political legations against Judge Abdulla. Among them was landscape, in 2005, after working abroad with a detailed account of how, while presiding over a the United Nations, Waheed positioned himself sexual offence case in May 2005, the judge made as an intellectual above the ‘dirty politics’ of a two children identify the accused in court before small-time country such as the Maldives. His making the children ‘act out the indecent act in status as a former UN official and his doctorate the presence of the perpetrator and the rest of the from Stanford, the first such accolade earned by court’. Hassan Saeed – currently deputy leader a Maldivian, helped him carve out this niche. The of the minority Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP, or three years he served as vice-president was spent Maldives National Party) and one of President in relative obscurity, however. He rarely made any Nasheed’s most vocal critics – was a prominent impact or contribution to the country’s social or member of the opposition forces calling for the political discourse. release of Judge Abdulla.

This changed in mid-January this year, when It was widely reported in the international media President Nasheed ordered the military to detain that Nasheed had ordered the detention of Judge

12 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion Abdulla after he ‘released a government critic’. March 2011. ex-president Nasheed attended a meeting of his Using the word ‘critic’ to describe Mohamed Ja- Maldives Democratic Party (MDP). Brimming meel, the individual in question, is to use the term In November 2011, for the first time in its history, with even more energy than usual, Nasheed so loosely as to lose its meaning. Police arrested the JSC brought to a conclusion an investigation told his supporters that his resignation had been Jameel following the publication of a pamphlet into judicial misconduct, which found Judge Ab- forced, at gunpoint. He declared President Wa- accredited to the DQP, the party he leads. Entitled dulla guilty of violating the Judges Code of Ethics heed’s government illegitimate and accused the ‘President Nasheed’s Cunning Plans to Destroy by being politically biased. Before the JSC’s find- new leader of having assumed power by colluding the Islamic Faith of Maldivians’, the 30-page ings could be published, Judge Abdulla filed a suit with opposition leaders in a well-orchestrated pamphlet alleged Nasheed’s administration of against the JSC at the Civil Court. Remarkably, coup. Galvanised by his speech, MDP supporters harbouring an overarching anti-Islamic agenda the Civil Court ordered the JSC, an independent spilled onto the streets of Male in their thousands, that underpinned all governmental actions and commission appointed under the Constitution to calling for President Waheed’s resignation and policies. Jameel’s leadership in authoring such a oversee the judiciary, to take no action against new elections. pamphlet is doubly remarkable given that, while Judge Abdulla until the court allowed it. The tail serving as Gayoom’s justice minister in 2007, he was wagging the dog. What followed was the most brutal police crack- defied religious scholars to appoint the coun- down the Maldives had seen since its transition try’s first women judges. Furthermore, he later In fact, the JSC has been under the control of to democracy. Men and women, many of them resigned from the post, citing Gayoom’s failure judges loyal to former President Gayoom’s young, were brought to Male’s two hospitals in to take action against the increasing Islamist regime since its inception. In 2010 it dismissed their dozens, often suffering from head injuries militancy in the country. as ‘symbolic’ Article 285 of the Constitution, after being battered by police batons. Police which required the judiciary to be cleaned up and surrounded both hospitals, refusing entry or According to the pamphlet, Nasheed’s ‘major brought into line with democratic standards and departure at their whim. Several officers remained project’ in government involved a broad range of norms by August of that year. In so doing, it al- within hospital premises. Eyewitnesses reported plans. These included allowing other religions into lowed several unqualified judges as well as many several cases of the police pepper-spraying rela- the country, normalising alcohol consumption, with criminal convictions to remain on the bench. tives and friends of the injured who refused to deciding to ‘aid Jews’ and forsake Palestinians, A year after this fundamental failure of the JSC leave the vicinity as commanded. acting against Islamic states, indulging in amoral to carry out its constitutional duty, and helped by activities, embracing modernity while rejecting the Majlis’s failure to hold the JSC accountable, As had become customary during their three Islam, using Christian priests as ambassadors, Judge Abdulla was found holding court over the years of broadcasting, the two privately owned disputing Islamic morals and humiliating religious judicial oversight body – and the country’s entire television stations openly sided with the opposi- scholars. Not only were some of these accusations judiciary. By then, there was no democratic insti- tion. Instead of broadcasting the usual propa- blatant lies – the alleged appointment of Christian tution left in the country that could halt his abuse ganda, however, they chose to broadcast cartoons. priests as national emissaries, for instance – but of the country’s justice system. The hijacked state broadcaster, MNBC One – the pamphlet also defamed specific individuals renamed TVM (Television Maldives), its moniker with no regard to their potential slander. Other The crowds that came out to protest the military during Gayoom’s regime – followed suit. The only ‘offences’ Nasheed was accused of, such as at- detention of Judge Abdulla were criticising television pictures of the police crackdown were tempting to increase religious tolerance, appear Nasheed for acting outside of the constitution in on Raajje TV, the country’s smallest station with laughable to any supporter of democracy. detaining a judge. They numbered a few hundred the lowest audience figures. By then it was also at most, a paltry sum compared to the thou- the country’s only independent television station. When presented to Maldivians, however, all of sands that took to the streets on 8 February to In the afternoon that same day, police cut their this proved anything but harmless. Nowhere else demonstrate against Nasheed’s forced resigna- cables, forcing Raajje TV to broadcast for several has an entire people been radicalised as widely tion. Had there been reasoned discussion in the hours as a radio station. At one point, members and as successfully during the US-led ‘war on public sphere over Judge Abdulla’s actions and of the security forces threatened Raajje TV with terror’. While weaving in verses from the Quran, the unconstitutional acts that allowed him to be vandalism if they did not stop live streaming on the pamphlet equated deposing President Nasheed on the bench in the first place, a peaceful – and the Internet. to performing a religious duty, and called upon all lawful – resolution for the matter could have Maldivians to do whatever they could to obstruct been found. Instead, opposition parties used the Social-media sites and smart phones, however, his rule. Yet despite the blatant use of god for media as an enraged public bulldog rather than as thwarted attempts to hide the brutality and chaos political purposes and the clear basis for a defa- a public watchdog. Every night for three weeks, in Male from the rest of the country and the mation case, the Criminal Court headed by Judge the privately owned television stations VTV and international community. Videos soon emerged Abdulla released Jameel. DhiTV broadcast footage of the protests with on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter of police in voiceovers designed to enflame rather than calm full riot gear brutally beating members of the Wagging the dog: For Judge Abdullah, this was public emotions. At times, footage of the protests public. Several officers wore not only helmets not an exceptional decision. Nasheed’s home min- was digitally manipulated to make the crowds but also balaclavas to hide heir faces. Late in ister, Hassan Afeef, speaking to the media shortly look bigger than they were. At other times, the afternoon, a video emerged of Nasheed and after the judge’s arrest, listed 14 instances where recorded footage was shown as ‘live’, giving the former MDP Chairperson M P Mariya Ahmed Judge Abdulla had obstructed police duty by false impression of ongoing protests when there Didi being dragged out of a shop by individu- various means, including withholding warrants, were, at times, none at all. als dressed in police uniforms. In another video, ordering the police to conduct unlawful investiga- police were chasing Nasheed through the streets tions and disregarding decisions by higher courts. As the media added fuel to the fire, opposition of Male, while in yet another police manhandled ‘In the name of holding ministers accountable’, leaders, MPs and activists joined the protestors, and verbally abused him. The man who had been Afeef said, Judge Abdulla had once released a stoking anger and inciting hatred. On several the commander-in-chief of the armed forces only murder suspect who went on to kill again. The occasions, prominent figures in the opposition 24 hours ago now seemed a common criminal in Maldives Constitution prohibits the removal of called on the protestors to charge at the police the hands of the police. a judge from office ‘during good behaviour and monitoring them, and to attack people and dam- compliance with judicial ethics’. age property. Foremost among those inciting One of the highest-profile casualties of the day violence was Umar Naseer, vice-president of the was MDP Interim Chairperson (and MP) Moosa For the lawful removal of a judge from the bench, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). This is the ‘Reeko’ Manik. In an interview given to Rajje however, the JSC has to find the person either most recently formed party loyal to Gayoom, led TV while in intensive care at hospital, a weak grossly incompetent or guilty of gross misconduct by his brother-in-law, Yameen. and bleeding Manik recounted how he had been before submitting a resolution for dismissal to beaten to a pulp by a group of police officers until the Majlis – the country’s main legislative body – When President Nasheed arrived to address the he lost consciousness. As news of the brutality which must pass it by a two-thirds majority. The people in Republic Square on 7 February, the 23rd in Male filtered down to the atolls, violence and JSC formed a complaints committee to investigate day of this violence, several police officers had vandalism broke out across the country. Protes- the cases against Judge Abdulla in December joined the protestors. Around 80 members of the tors, the majority of whom were MDP supporters, 2009, which met 44 times but failed to present an military soon followed them. headed for the police stations on many islands. update report every 30 days as required by law; Some forced police officers to strip off their indeed, it had not presented a single report as of After the coup: On the afternoon of 8 February, uniforms; others locked police officers out of their

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 13 stations. Some officers willingly left to join the ment’s full support’ in a telephone conversation downpour of 9th February providing some time to protestors. On one island, protestors forced police on 8 February. When asked if he felt let down by reflect on the events witnessed.We can argue all officers onto a boat and banished them. In Addu India, Nasheed, who had actively cultivated rela- day long, but President Mohamed Nasheed was Atoll, which hosted the 2011 SAARC Summit, tions with Prime Minister Singh during his three removed by a coup d’état. That is a fact, plain and protestors torched police stations on the islands years in power, evaded a direct answer, instead simple. What is not certain is the extent to which of Hithadhoo and Gan as well as the Addu Police alluding to shared ideals and policies between Nasheed’s removal was orchestrated in advance, Training School. Maldives and India. or who was involved. Perhaps more importantly, the question of whether the overthrow of Na- As the country burned, the new president Although India rushed to recognise the legiti- sheed is representative of the views of the general remained silent. His major act of the day was macy of Waheed’s government, popular protests population or not, remains to be answered. Other to swear in a new defence minister and a new and the police crackdown on the streets of Male countries such as Pakistan and Turkey have home minister. The post of the former went to appear to have cooled New Delhi’s ardour. New had bloodless coups a number of times, where Mohamed Nazim, formerly a prominent figure Delhi officials warned the new government not to democratically elected leaders were overthrown in the security forces under Gayoom. The Home harm the deposed president, and Prime Minister in order to maintain public order and to avoid a Ministry is now led by Mohamed Jameel, whose Singh is currently sending his special envoy, M potential civil war. More recently, the overthrow release by Judge Abdulla had instigated the events Ganapathi, to take stock of the situation. Some of Gaddafi, Mubarak and Ben Ali in the Arab that ultimately toppled Nasheed’s government. Indian analysts, meanwhile, have criticised India Spring have taken place through popular revolts The following morning, the Criminal Court issued for failing to ‘act like a big power’, by not acting in the Middle East. Coups can be justified and a an arrest warrant for Nasheed. The man in charge faster and stronger in the unfolding crisis. Their necessity in some circumstances. I got a sense that of the Criminal Court? Judge Abdulla Mohammed. worry is that the hesitation may have cost India there was an atmosphere of widespread relief, the opportunity to play a decisive role in the af- when Nasheed resigned but maybe I am wrong. It Looking for leadership: The international fairs of the region, leaving it to Western powers must also be remembered that the demonstrations community has responded rapidly to the evolving – or China – to fill the leadership role. leading up to 7th February had been building for situation in the Maldives. Known globally as one weeks, so this was not just a spur of the moment of the world’s most exclusive holiday destina- Meanwhile, members of the international com- movement.There is no right or wrong answer tions, rarely does the Maldives exist in the outside munity, including high-level delegations from the here; what has happened has happened and now world’s consciousness in any other form. Events Commonwealth and the United Nations, remain is the time for reconciliation and national solidar- of the last few days, however, have moved the active in the Maldives. The US, which has recog- ity.Instead however, we see our politicians throw- Maldives from the travel desks to the news desks nised Waheed’s government as legitimate while ing clauses from our Constitution at each other, at all media organisations. The country’s recently grudgingly conceding that there is some room for trying to legitimize and justify their actions. The acquired intimacy with Islamist politics has meant doubt, has dispatched Assistant Under-Secretary Constitution was flouted by President Nasheed comparisons with current turmoil are being Robert Blake to the Maldives. and the MDP when they kept a senior judge ar- drawn with Syria, Egypt and other conflict-addled rested, despite nation-wide criticism, but is now countries of the ‘Islamic world’. Nasheed himself Which international body or foreign State takes held up as a sacred document by MDP, Nasheed has drawn attention to the threat from Islamists the lead in helping resolve the current crisis and everyone else to argue that the overthrow in an op-ed piece in the New York Times on 8 in the Maldives remains a secondary concern was unconstitutional! The truth of the matter is February. for Nasheed and his supporters. ‘My policy in MDP or the opposition parties have no respect for international relations is very simple,’ he said on the Constitution and have used the law as a tool Condemnations of the violence of that day and of 10 February. ‘Find a friend and be good to that to delegitimize each other time and time again. the arbitrary arrests of various MDP leaders and friend.’ Whether he finds such a friend remains As my last article suggested, I have great respect supporters, and the continuing social unrest, have to be seen. One source of support Nasheed does for Nasheed and I would welcome his return to come fast and furious from Western countries not doubt is the will of the Maldivian people, who politics. However, I, along with many others, was as well as national and international organisa- are still hoping to be governed democratically. ‘In disappointed in the way he turned defeat into tions. Also pouring in are messages of support for the absence of international support,’ Nasheed a cause for nationwide violence in our country. Nasheed from environmental campaigners who, said, ‘we will have to go back on the streets and Violence was incited, invoked and aggravated by within a short period of time, made significant demonstrate.’ MDP supporters and all MDP factions should ask contributions to the international climate change themselves, with honesty and without any politi- debate. ~Azra Naseem holds a PhD in International Rela- cal bias, whether they could have done more to tions from the School of Law and Government at stop the violence that occurred across the country Closer to home, rumours that India is ready to Dublin City University, Ireland and is currenlty on 8th February? It is a democratic and a positive send military assistance to help the situation has based in Male. thing to go out and protest in support of your created a substantial ripple, if not a storm, among party and beliefs, but NOT at the expense of pub- the country’s chattering classes. A large number http://himalmag.com/component/content/ lic order, public buildings and the safety of people. of Internet rumours began claiming late on 9 article/5008-gone-at-gunpoint.html. In islands where infrastructure is still limited, February that Indian military resources were at what is there to gain by burning public build- the ready, waiting for a signal from the Maldives. ings? I strongly condemn people who damage the The rumours have evoked memories in the col- country’s infrastructure in their political zeal.I do lective Maldivian mind of the 3 November 1988 Endhimariyambu not believe the security forces (MNDF and state coup, when the Indian Army arrived within hours police) are our enemies. Every single one of us to successfully rescue the country from coup’s Two days of probably has a relative or friend working in the organisers and their hired Tamil mercenaries. Maldives National Defence Force or the Police. chaos: Soul They are victims of this political unrest as much Amidst reports in both Indian and local media as any one of us and have been used as pawns by of Nasheed sending the Indian government a searching our politicians. Holding them solely responsible request for help, rumours also circulated of Indian for reacting to the hoards of angry protesters - warships at the ready for dispatch to the atolls. In in the MDP or the opposition – as per their job role, India, the government was criticised for its failure and for the failures of the law-making bodies, is to rapidly send in forces as Rajiv Gandhi did in Maldives excessive. I am not saying that they shouldn’t be 1988. Nasheed denied on 10 February that he had held accountable for their actions, but I do think asked for Indian military intervention. He admit- February 11, 2012 the indiscriminate attacks on members of the ted, however, that he had requested India ‘to help security forces, their offices and the ongoing hate us resolve this police revolt,’ and had ‘warned The political unrest in the Maldives this week campaign against them is unnecessary.Having [India] that this was going on’. is likely to be imprinted on our memories for said that, the security forces in the country have years to come. A democratically elected President a responsibility to answer to the people for the In fact, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was forced to resign, a mutiny, a new government, use of excessive force, violent language and brutal among the first foreign leaders to congratulate violence, bloodshed and burning buildings – a attacks on MDP members (and their head office), President Waheed, pledging the ‘Indian govern- lot to take in within two days, with only the wherever and whenever it occurred this week,

14 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion as seen in the various videos and photographs parently convinced by the ‘civil society’ that the circulating on the internet. I do appreciate that Rankamana Maldives is not ready to hold a free and fair elec- a country’s security force plays a crucial role in tion at this time. When have we ever been more maintaining law and order, but they themselves Horrific ready? The country is calling for a deciding vote, are not above the law. Anyone who has seen the to put an end to all conflict and confusion. And if violent incidents of the last few days would ques- Reality I may ask, what civil society? Where was the civil tion the motives and compassion of the security society all this time? Where was the civil society forces. On the day of the most gruesome violence February 11, 2012 when the opposition protesters injured police it was hard to distinguish who was more of a and civilians and vandalized public property and thug! Security forces now have a responsibility It was necessary to take an oath, to break the plundered people’s homes and business establish- to regain the public’s trust and have some real previous pledge?http://www.youtube.com/embed/ ments? Where were they when the democracti- soul-searching to do.In fact, maybe we all have LjXpUPkOzDg cally elected government was ousted by force and some soul-searching to do.For too long we have the President chosen by the people was forced been manipulated by politicians for their political Calling for civilians as backup? No gangsters, to resign? Our civil society is a joke! When a agendas. We need to remove our political party only civilians??http://www.youtube.com/embed/ bunch of people get together and call themselves hats and think of what is best for the country and UvBHgSMkMJw ‘Madhanee Itthihaad’, not one organization of the not for a particular political party or ideology. The civil society had the backbone to stand up and only thing standing between the current situation “Mr. President accepted our demands. He would say, No you cannot call yourselves the Madhanee and our country’s stability is YOU. You have the walk to the President’s office and resign!” Is there Itthihaad [civil society coalition] because we do power to decide the fate of our country, not a a need to say, Why he was Forced to walk to the not accept you thugs to represent us! That vice few politicians who are squabbling over power. President’s Office, passing through the rows of president of the Madhanee Itthihaad, the teacher What makes Nasheed’s supporters think that military personnel?http://www.youtube.com/ guy Abdullah something, is all over the media even if Nasheed and MDP are reinstated (through embed/IBztRoalaVQ speaking for the ‘civil society’ and NO ONE had demonstrations or any other means) our problem the nerve all this time, or perhaps any sincerity, of disunity will be sorted? Do they think the Yet, his spirit was not broken. He was smiling. to say his views were not their own, although opposition will just walk away? Similarly, what He was strong. (The three people, involved in they claim to be poles apart in thought and ideals makes supporters of the opposition think they ’mediating the dispute’ were also present in the and principles. That is such hypocrisy. The civil will achieve anything by sidelining MDP and their room, when Mr. President announced his resigna- society here is spineless, asleep or apathetic, Mr. supporters from Maldivian politics? Our politi- tion.) Their significance and the reasons for their Blake, and you want to get their opinion on when cians need to stop squabbling over trivial matters presence is clear to all.http://www.youtube.com/ to have the election? Talking about jokes, I saw and accept that there are Maldivians who admire embed/jsjEchj9kCU that PPM MP Abdullah Abdul Raheem or is it Gayyoom and Nasheed. Clearly Nasheed’s regime Raheem Abdullah I dont know, the perpetually sold themselves short, because even after 30 “Mediating the mutiny’ turned out a ‘little confus- annoying one who constantly appears to be chew- years of corruption and repression by Gayyoom’s ing’ as seen in this video. Perhaps, it could be ing beetlenut from the side of his mouth...anyway, regime, Nasheed and the MDP failed to gain an not considering the technological advance of the he was on media saying that they had protested outright majority in parliament or within the past few years.http://www.youtube.com/embed/ for 22 days without causing any injury to people country’s population. Nasheed was right when he pGMyJYdGnzk or any damage to public or private property. I was recently stated that “it can take years to stamp out sitting with my mouth agape, wondering if I was the lingering remnants of past regimes”, and so Finally, this happened in broad day light, without hearing things right. The media reported many we need to work with such ‘remnants’. We need a warning and in front of foreign media! What incidents where they had attacked and injured law to judge, praise and back our politicians based on a tragedy.http://www.youtube.com/embed/OR- enforcement officials. We have seen them vandal- what they can offer to develop our economy, de- PrvrsSdjE izing and throwing petrol bombs into shops like liver political stability and solve social problems; Reefside and Megachip. We have seen the broken not on whether they are remnants of Gayyoom’s http://www.youtube.com/embed/xyDSmAUtBM8 windows, the fires, the rocks they threw. Is this regime or Nasheed’s regime. We need to accept guy for real, or is his beetlenut mixed with some that there is no majority in the country at pres- And the People’s Majlis, The Independent Com- powerful hallucinogen!? This delusion was beyond ent and learn to live and progress with divided missions, Prosecutor General and all the lawyers ridiculous. Mr. Blake, these photos show what opinions. This, my fellow countrymen, is the who were keen to fight for justice is still in the people want. They want the democracy they essence of democracy.We will never be in peace if silence. The ‘negotiators’ are in leading positions had voted for, they want the President they had we keep suggesting short term solutions to a long to investigate and bring us justice. One can imag- appointed and charged with the responsibility of term problem. By having a snap election and by ine the justice we would get. As I write this, I’m fulfilling his pledges, and realizing the objectives halting all government operations we will achieve not sure I wouldn’t be hunted and taken to jail. stated in his manifesto. The people want their nothing. Both parties need to sit down and But this last video, the old man, so badly injured, President, not someone whose party can not even negotiate a re-election in due course (in 6 months, soaked in blood is an inspiring figure. I hope and muster a membership of 3000 or win a single seat perhaps), when we have achieved some stability. pray he wouldn’t be killed for being an inspiration in the parliament. The international community I fully support Nasheed’s suggestion to have a re- to others. says vaguely, it is the Maldivians who must de- election, but not in two months, as he demands. cide. All good and well! Let us decide then! Urge Elections have a propensity to cause violence http://rankamana.wordpress. for an election now, and the Maldivians will speak and should be undertaken with the proper state com/2012/02/11/905/ with their vote. apparatus in place and not hastily. The current President needs to ensure that an election takes Ps- I am sitting in an empty house and missing my place in due course to avoid further conflict. Dr. new family. I wish I’d gotten more time to get to Waheed should remember that what we have at Cheeky Sylph know them better! I blame the ‘baaghees’ for ruin- the moment is only a crisis government and not a ing my honeymoon, my vacation, my time with government of the people. If civil resistance is the What do my honey’s family, well basically, I am fuming opted means of protest by the majority of people, about everything. Now better take a cold shower please let it be non-violent. All factions within the people and fix up some lunch. Adios people! the political system have gravely disappointed us and have a lot to prove of themselves now. In due want? http://airyfairybliss.blogspot. time, WE, the citizens of the country, will decide com/2012/02/what-do-people-want.html who will govern us by a free and fair election. The February 12, 2012 power of the ballot will speak for itself. People rioting in the islands, crowds gathering http://endhimariyambu.tumblr.com/ in neighboring countries, everyone calling to post/17439468696/two-days-of-chaos- restore democracy in the Maldives... and they’re soul-searching-in-the-maldives busy putting together a cabinet of buffoons?? US Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake was ap-

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 15 lutely remain the sole prerogative of the people, Minivan News / Yameen Rasheed exercised through the ballot box. This is a sacred writ of democracy that cannot – and should not – A mutiny ever change. against A few hundred policemen should not be able to democracy forcibly execute a regime change. There is an ongoing effort by the opposition February 12, 2012 parties to portray the coup d’etat as a ‘popular’ uprising. But thankfully, it is trivial to discredit When retired Colonel Mohamed Nazim addressed this assertion. the press for the first time following his appoint- ment as the country’s new Defence Minister, he While there were 20 days of sustained protests by strongly asserted that there was no pressure from several opposition parties in the days leading up the armed forces on President Nasheed to resign. to the coup d’etat, the sparse attendance at these rallies – considering the sheer number of political He further claimed in front of journalists that parties behind it – proves that it wasn’t represen- the armed personnel gave no indication either tative of the general public will. way even when the President had asked them for advice. Furthermore, Dr Waheed’s appointment brings with it greater portents. However, in a video broadcast afterwards on Raaj- jeTV, the retired colonel is seen addressing the Dr Waheed has little political influence or grass- mutinous security forces at the Republican square roots support to implement any independent on the morning of seventh February. In the video, decision. His fledgling political party hasn’t a he is seen coming out of the MNDF barracks, and single elected member in either the Parliament or telling the assembled forces over a loud speaker a local council. that he has conveyed their demands, which in- cluded the President’s ‘unconditional resignation’. He is, thus, in a poor position to enforce or carry out the mandate of the people. Without Clearly, the new Defense Minister needs to the backing of the MDP, it is likely that the only rethink this statement, and be more forthcoming policies he can realistically achieve are opposition about the day’s events. demands that, again, have no electoral mandate.

Furthermore, why the new Commissioner Abdulla “Rule of law”: Dr Waheed has also failed to Riyaz – who had been sacked earlier – was seen strongly condemn the excessive police brutality carrying the President’s resignation letter is against civilians on February 8, the day President another question worth asking. Nasheed was released.

How Nazim and the Abdulla Riyaz, both civilians Despite having repeatedly vowed to uphold the at the time, were allowed to freely walk into the ‘rule of law’, people were beaten unconscious, the MNDF barracks and closely accompany the Presi- ousted President was roughed up, and at least one dent remains a mystery. senior member of Parliament was beaten merci- lessly by the police under his watch. What is clear is that when the President is forced by the armed forces to resign under the threat His failure to reassure the people might have of violence, held in military detention, brutally very well contributed to the arson and violence beaten up on the streets along with his support- in the southern atolls, as supporters of President ers by the police, has an arrest warrant against Nasheed torched police buildings and courts in him within a day of his resignation, and all the response to the heavy-handed police crackdown. appointments made by his successor are known allies and associates of the former dictatorship The silence of the new President was only that have been hostile to his presidency, then it is matched by the apalling insensitivity of the newly time to acknowledge the incident for what it is – a appointed Commissioner of Police who, when coup d’etat. asked to respond to the excessive use of force by the police, insisted that the police always used A puppet government: To be absolutely clear, ‘minimum force’ – and that he would leave it to Dr Waheed is a admirable man. He is an articulate the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) and the and accomplished person, with a ton of experi- Human Rights Commission HRCM) to judge if ence and is eminently worthy of handling the they had stepped out of line. responsibilities of the Presidency – arguably much more so than any candidate the main opposition On the other hand, the armed forces forcibly parties has to offer. took control the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation State media, renamed the station However, the circumstances leading to his acqui- to ‘TVM’, as it was known during the Gayoom sition of power are vague, and the little that is dictatorship. known is corrosive to the country’s democratic ambitions. The station is now a police propaganda outlet, and refuses to cover massive MDP rallies around the Noteworthy among them is that the main opposi- country, or the police brutality that has attracted tion parties had publicly called upon the armed condemnation from Amnesty International and forces and the police to plead allegiance to the other bodies: Vice President a week before the police mutiny even happened. http://minivannews.com/politics/com- ment-a-mutiny-against-democracy-31961. In a democracy, the transfer of power has to abso-

16 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion propaganda outlets. But given the abundance of 8. Controversial appointments to key posts in Dr Yameen Rasheed available videos of the crimes openly perpetrated Waheed’s government, particularly the Minister by the rogue security forces in Male’, there is of Defence and the Commissioner of Police, who A great no reason to doubt the stories reaching me from served as the main interlocutors with President the atolls.It is amazing how any government in Nasheed at MNDF HQ, with no legitimacy what- betrayal the world can still remain reluctant to label this soever, further deteriorate MDP supporters’ faith outrageous coup d’etat as a crime of the first in the police and the MNDF. February 12, 2012 order against the Maldivian people - and their first democratically elected government.This isn’t In an atmosphere so emotionally charged and With today’s appointment of a cabinet full of the about the MDP or President Nasheed. It is about tense, it is an elephantine task to remain rational, former (current?) dictator Gayoom’s henchmen condoning an undemocratic power grab led by to stick to facts, and to make decisions that will and supporters, the coup d’etat in the Maldives enemies of democracy, corrupt businessmen and save our democracy in the long run. It is even is complete.I can’t help but feel a deep sense of Islamist forces in the Maldives - one that utterly harder to do so when media channels, on either betrayal from countries like India and the United shatters the country’s democratic hopes.The sa- side of the political divide, are biased and resort- States that have granted legitimacy to the illegal, cred process of appointing a government through ing to propaganda. Nasheed and his supporters puppet government that has been installed in the ballot box has been replaced by the method of have unleashed a deluge of hyperbole to rile up an outrageous power grab that took down the terrorizing citizens, and forcibly unseating their crowds and chip away whatever is left of the pub- country’s first democratic government.Their elected government by gross abuse of the powers lic’s trust in the police and the armed forces. unfortunate decision to recognize Gayoom’s of the security forces.No amount of sugar-coating proxy government is bound to have far reaching or using fancy terms like ‘unity government’ can Nasheed showed Waheed’s government and consequences, and has set back the Maldives by hide the ugliness of this episode. The truth is plain the international community his ammunition a decade.In a way, the country is worse off than and obvious. The people have lost control of the when he led his supporters into a direct, violent before we achieved democracy. The country is country’s media, police, military, Judiciary and confrontation with the police and armed forces now an open police state, as seen in the brazen Executive, which are now all firmly back under on Wednesday. He is using the threat of violence crimes committed in full public view by the the thumb of undemocratic forces. It won’t be to force elections in two months, when it is very Maldives Police Service.In the below video taken long before they usurp the Parliament as well, clear that an election in two months will not be on 8th Feburary in Male’, the police thugs have by simply buying the MPs.At this point, the free and fair. In the meantime, Waheed has come just charged at a crowd of President Nasheed’s country’s democracy lies utterly destroyed.In out to say he will not hold elections until 2013. supporters without warning. They catch hold of other words, it is an upsetting betrayal by the in- What has been lacking in our democracy since a man and, without any provocation, take turns ternational community.I cannot, in my right mind, 2008 stands in the way of restoring democracy repeatedly kicking and brutally assaulting him accept the legitimacy of this criminal dictatorship today. Democracy is about compromise. Nasheed until he is unconscious. I was watching the scene that has been imposed on my people - with inter- and Waheed need to meet each other half way so when it happened. The man lay face down, uncon- national support, I’m sad to say._P.S. Ever since that our democracy is not flushed down the drains scious for several minutes before they dragged his the coup d’etat, I’ve been getting intimidating of history. broken body and roughly shoved him into an am- messages from both self-proclaimed “religious” bulance.This is just a glimpse of the kind of terror (anonymous) representatives and members of the Even if Waheed’s government is illegitimate, what inflicted by Waheed’s masters to intimidate the armed forces that I personally know. I’m being is done is done. And protracted civil unrest and public. Neither Waheed nor the newly appointed reminded that I no longer have a President who violence in small communities, which may take Commissioner of Police - another known Gayoom will fight to uphold my freedom of speech, and generations to heal, is not the way forward. At a henchman - has condemned this outrage.I am therefore I should be ‘careful’ of what I write. To time when people are divided and emotional, we ashamed to say India and the United States / UK / directly quote the MNDF guy: “i urge you not to need strong leaders who place the good of the UN have decided to recognize a government that touch with islamic issues’(sic)It is easy to imagine nation above personal gain. Waheed must have has been installed by these terrorists. http://www. that my criticism of the current police state will the balls to ensure that his government does not youtube.com/embed/qOuULe4nkSU not go down well with the criminals in power. go after senior leaders in the MDP in the run up Such a shame that after three years, I have to once to elections in six months. In return to agreeing The below video shows senior MDP leader, and again start thinking of potential consequences for elections in six months, Nasheed and his co former Parliamentary majority leader, “Reeko” before I write. must be given guarantees by Waheed’s govern- Moosa Manik narrating the details of the horrify- ment that the MDP leadership and supporters will ing assault on him on the 8th February, the day af- http://uglyy.blogspot.com/2012/02/ not be made political prisoners. In my mind, there ter the coup d’etat. From his narration, it appears great-betrayal.html is really no other way forward and if people have the Police were possibly trying to kill him.Several suggestions, it is time we start a national debate others were similarly assaulted on the same day. on how to overcome this impasse in a conciliatory http://www.youtube.com/embed/bA8nB00MteQ manner. Minivan News / Era Ali The below video shows the brazen political vio- You say a liberal?: That said, the coup d’etat of lence committed by the highly politicized police / I am for February 7 is also a window of opportunity for military. The people waving flags are supporters the people to demand more and better from of of the erstwhile dictator and his allies, who are democracy our political leadership. One person had written cheering on the mutineers as they march up to on facebook that we might have been too tolerant the MDP party camp in Male’ on the day of the too of President Nasheed’s runaway administration. coup d’etat, and proceed to ransack the place, set True, opposition political parties under Nasheed’s it on fire, and assault activists of the party.During February 12, 2012 administration did not play by the same lofty the initial assault by the rogue “star force” police, rules we set for the government. But with more they threw pepper-spray bombs and assaulted A coup is a coup. Much of what transpired at power comes more responsibility. Nasheed was senior members of the party who happened to be MNDF headquarters the morning of February 7 in power, the opposition parties were not, hence at the camp. Some were beaten, and others were remains unclear, but several key facts have come the double standards in expectations. With our forcibly held by the police and had pepper spray to light, and placed in the context of Maldivian civil society so weak from 30 years of authoritar- sprayed directly into their open eyes. http://www. politics, leave no doubt in my mind that President ian rule, the political leadership had a massive youtube.com/embed/duN2Wv74e64 Nasheed was ousted in a cleverly executed coup. responsibility. Nasheed had the power to write the story of our democracy differently. He may have The story is even worse in the outlying atolls Following Nasheed’s forced resignation, the entire lost elections in 2013 if he did, but he would have of the Maldives. In the southern atoll of Addu, country burned. Key law enforcement institutions been a mighty hero in my mind had he focused people have apparently been taken on to coast became Enemy Number One overnight. In con- on strengthening our democratic institutions over guard vessels, been stripped and beaten. I do trast to the relative professional and non-violent forcing and bypassing democratic institutions not have a clear confirmation of the incidents reaction to protests against Judge Abdulla’s to ensure the fulfillment of the MDP’s five key because all the State media have been taken over arbitrary detention, police used brutal force and pledges. by the coup perpetrators and turned into the their violently targeted key MDP officials on February

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 17 A 30-year dictatorship left a legacy: an uneven are easily manipulated by the aristocrats and Using the above mentioned letter that was playing field; a weak civil society; a small and merchants, the middle class that is the key to processed under duress, was used as a pretext to toothless middle class; a dearth of self-thinking democratic consolidation, has no representation usher in the then Vice President Dr Mohamed peoples; and a biased media. The vestiges of and no space to assert itself. Waheed Hassan Manik to the President’s chair. dictatorship remain and they matter. History mat- Soon thereafter, Dr. Waheed appointed a new ters. But it only directs, it does not determine. The To his credit, Nasheed did attempt to foster a Home Minister, a new Defense Minister and many constitutional crises, the political postur- middle class. He implemented a long overdue a new Police Commissioner. It has now been ing, and the name-calling we see today are not taxation system that forced tourism tycoons to revealed that these new posts are taken up by the inevitable results of a 30-year dictatorship. It is pay their fair share for state bills. His policies leaders of the coup. the combined result of a 30-year dictatorship, and sought to improve access to basic services. And he a conscious choice by the Nasheed administra- faced huge challenges. But in playing power poli- The self-claimed government of Dr Waheed is tion to play power politics instead of fostering the tics, he also ensured that the rich and powerful re- using the military and the police force to beat and slow, painful and perhaps, in the short run, self- mained so, and nurtured a new group of rich and arrest MPs and others loyal to the former govern- defeating, democratic reforms that would have powerful people who would ostensibly protect his ment. This large scale crackdown on the members strengthened our democracy. presidency and candidacy in 2013. To that end, a of Parliament and supporters of President Na- number of development projects continued to fall sheed is continuing. When Nasheed came to power in 2008, he inher- into the hands of those affiliated with the MDP, ited not only a massive budget deficit, but also a and sometimes those hands were not the most At the moment, the UN, Commonwealth and political system that operated on political patron- capable and able. And the lease of Ibrahim Nasir other bodies are trying to diffuse the situation. age. Nasheed did not try to change this informal International Airport is anything but transparent. system. He adopted masters of such politicking, If justice is fairness, Nasheed government’s cor- Meanwhile, the leaders of the coup including Dr including Ibrahim Hussein Zaki and Hassan Afeef rupt activities fell short of delivering justice, and Waheed are using their newly assumed powers to into his administration, indicating that political served to exacerbate the already existing crisis in suppress free media, conduct extra-judicial arrests realism would provide Nasheed government’s the judiciary. and utilise the Criminal Court in issuing court ideological grounding. To outwit Gayoom et al, orders for the arrest of President Nasheed and his Nasheed decided to play the power game instead Way Forward: The way forward is in compro- supporters. We believe they are trying to wipe of democracy. In doing so he acted like an astute mise and learning from mistakes. It is not in out the democracy movement by destroying the politician, not a liberal democrat. Those who taking sides and refusing to budge. Peace is not a Maldivian Democratic Party. expected the latter, mostly liberals, are deeply platitude. To characterise peace, conciliation, and disappointed with the Nasheed administration. negotiation as platitudes and “bullshit” is to reject As indicated by the popular uprising in the The handful of young and educated who were the essence of democracy. And being “colorless”, aftermath of the coup, a great majority of the Mal- convinced that an MDP defeat in 2013 would spell and withholding blind support for the MDP or divian people do not accept the newly established out the end of democracy, and those who foresaw any other political party is not a wholesale rejec- government in power. an end to their innings with the end of Nasheed’s tion of democracy. Restoring Nasheed, whichever government, were glad that he played the part of way possible, will not restore democracy. President Nasheed won the Election in 2008, after a clever politician. But then the coup happened. 30 years of autocratic rule by Maumoon Abdul No to street violence, No to political witch Gayoom. New President Waheed named ministers In a very real way, Nasheed himself is to blame hunts, No to destroying the social fabric of our on Sunday who are almost all veterans of the for presenting coup planners with ample fodder small nation, and No to politicising our armed government of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who and opportunity. Arbitrarily detaining Chief Judge forces and the police. But Yes to elections in six ruled the Maldives for 30 years until Nasheed beat of the Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed for months. The current government is illegitimate him in 2008 in a presidential election. nearly 20 days, in spite of the arrest’s unconstitu- and the nation cannot afford to wait until 2013 tionality, in spite of continued street protests that for presidential elections. At the same time, MDP We believe that despite counter claims of Dr. Wa- often turned violent, and in spite of escalating supporters will risk the nation by going out on to heed, his move up from vice president to the head police fatigue, Nasheed defended the arrest to the the streets. The political leadership of this country of state did not follow constitutional procedures last minutes of his administration and contin- should go to the negotiation table fast if we are after Nasheed was forced to resign. ues to defend it today. But to this day, Nasheed to restore democracy. And people of this country has not explained the precise national security should step back from pledging blind support to We call upon citizens of all democratic countries threat that justified the military detention of leaders. Learn from mistakes. Pledge your support to condemn this coup and to demand from the Abdulla Mohamed. By commanding the MNDF to democratic processes. Pledge your support to government of Dr. Waheed to hand over power to arbitrarily arrest Abdulla Mohamed and detain negotiations and elections, not in two months to the Speaker of Parliament in accordance with him on their training camp, Nasheed unneces- when an election would be impossible, but in six the Maldives Constitution, until a free and fair sarily plunged one of Maldives’ few professional months, when it has a better chance of translating election can be held. We also demand from the institutions into disarray and opened it up to your vote freely and fairly. international community to conduct an inde- politicisation. Presidents who are concerned with pendent inquiry of the process that lead to the consolidating democracy do not issue such orders. http://minivannews.com/politics/com- forcible removal of President Mohamed Nasheed They do not think in “either or” terms. Creativity ment-i-am-for-democracy-too-31994 from office. and compromise are fundamental characteristics of a strong democratic leadership. Help us save this young democracy, before the coup leaders and the mutinous military and police You say a revolution in 2008?: History mat- Minivan News / Ahmed Naseer take back our democratic rights. ters. Those who were rich and powerful under Gayoom, remain rich and powerful today. In Appeal for http://minivannews.com/politics/com- short, our democratic “revolution” in 2008 failed ment-appeal-for-help-32067 to change the status quo. The aristocrats and mer- help chants who own the tourism, fishing, construc- tion, and shipping industries act like an oligarchy. February 13, 2012 They have the means to ensure that they maintain Biskoadhu their monopolies and deflect any harm that come On the 7th of February, 2012 the lawfully elected their way. Take for example what happened with Government of Maldives was overthrown by Ideals of the penalties for tax evasion. And where is the a mutiny carried out by joint factions of the minimum wage bill? What happened to workers’ Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and the democracy in right to strike? When democratic institutions, Maldives Police Service. Maldives President Mo- such as the parliament, become monopolised by hamed Nasheed was forced at gunpoint to write jeopardy? aristocrats and merchants, and when the main a letter of resignation addressed to the Speaker of rule of law institution, that is the court system, Parliament Abdulla Shahid. February 14, 2012 remains dominated by unlearned persons who

18 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion In the Maldivian presidential elections held on 8 Minister of Home Affairs – Dr Mohamed Jameel move forward rather than seek revenge on the October 2008[1], 84.8% of the eligible voters voted Ahmed (Gaumee Party) former leader, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Many and the results turned out as: Attorney General – Aishath Azima Shakooru of us would not have been so willing to give up (PPM) old grudges. Along with long terms of solitary Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom (DRP) – 40.63% Minister of Health and Family – Dr Ahmed Jam- confinement, Nasheed missed the birth of his two Mohamed Nasheed (MDP) – 25.09% sheed Mohamed (do not belong to any political daughters because of his imprisonment under Hassan Saeed (Gaumee Party) – 16.78% party) Gayoom’s government. While Nasheed hoped Gasim Ibrahim (Jumhooree Party) – 15.32% Minister of Education – Dr Asim Ahmed (DRP) to leave the past behind him, followers of the Umar Naseer (IDP) – 1.40% Minister of Economic Development – Mr Ahmed defeated incumbent were not of the same mind. Ibrahim Ismail (Social Liberal Party) – 0.78% Mohamed (DRP) On February 7th, Nasheed’s life and the lives Minister of Transport and Communication – Dr of others were threatened unless the president As per the Maldives Presidential Election law Ahmed Shamheed (Jumhooree Party) resigned, and so he did, stating, “I believe that if clause 18, a presidential candidate must secure Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports – the government were to remain in power it would more than 50% of votes in an election to be Mr Mohamed Hussain Shareef (PPM) require the use of force, which would harm many elected as the president of Maldives. Thus, a sec- Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture – Mr citizens.” He later explained, “There were guns ond round of elections were held on 28 October Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Ghafoor (do not belong to all around me, and they told me they wouldn’t 2008, as per Presidential Election law clause 19, any political party) hesitate to use them if I didn’t resign.”As a result where which the two candidates from the first of the new shift in power, the United States’ as- round who secured the most number of votes will In 2008, majority of the people (that is 54.21% sistant secretary of state Robert O. Blake visited contest. Whereby Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom and of the voters) did not vote for this new (unity? Male, the capital of the Maldives. After meeting Mohamed Nasheed went through to the second coalition?) government that President Waheed with former Vice President Mohammed Waheed round.In the few weeks presiding the second has formed. The original coalition was formed Hassan, Blake encouraged Nasheed to take part in round, the then opposition Party leaders, namely, between MDP, Gaumee Party, Jumhooree the new coalition government. The ousted presi- Dr. Hassan Saeed (Gaumee Party), Gasim Ibrahim Party, Adhaalath Party, Social Liberal Party and dent refused. Despite his explanation that he was (Jumhooree Party), Sheih Hussain Rasheed Gaumee Ithihaad .DRP, PA or the newly formed forcibly removed from office, the U.S. has agreed (Adhaalath Party), Ibrahim Ismail (Social Liberal PPM (mainly a faction of the old DRP which got to “work with the government of the Maldives, Party) and Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik separated later) was never included in the original but believe that the circumstances surrounding (Gaumee Ithihaad) formed a coalition with the coalition government formed.Isn’t high level the transfer of power need to be clarified.”Will MDP presidential candidate Mohamed Nasheed.In members of the PPM or DRP being elected into the U.S. get the clarification they need? Evidence the second round of election, where 85.7% of the the present cabinet not what the majority voted is mounting in support of the former president’s eligible voters voted, the results were as follows: for? Note:MDP – Maldivian Democratic PartyDRP allegations that he was ousted in a coup. In a – Dhivehi Rayyithunge PartyPPM – Progressive video taken on January 30th Nasheed’s opposition Mohamed Nasheed – 54.21% Party of MaldivesPA – Peoples AllianceIDP – calls on the military and police to turn against Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom – 45.79% Islamic Democratic Party the first democratically elected president. Umar Naseer, a Gayoom loyalist, admitted to the coup Hence, Mohamed Nasheed was elected as the [1] http://www.elections.gov. on February 11. There are also reports of others President of Maldives along with Mohamed Wa- mv/index.php?option=com_ such as Gayoom’s half-brother, Abdulla Yameen, heed Hassan as the Vice President which ended content&view=article&id=59:2011-12-22-05-57- offering compensation to police who oppose the 30 year old government of Maumoon Abdul 57&catid=13:2011-07-06-10-35-23&Itemid=18 Nasheed. On February 15, President Waheed’s Gayyoom.The first cabinet of the Nasheed admin- [2] http://www.miadhu.com/2011/09/local-news/ brother resigned from his post as the Deputy High istration even consisted of several leaders of the adhaalath-party-breaks-away-from-govt-coali- Commissioner of the Maldives to the UK saying, coalition parties, namely, Gaumee Ithihaad, Jum- tion/ “I cannot serve a regime that has brought down hooree Party, Gaumee Party and Adhaalath Party. [3] http://www.haveeru.com.mv/news/40126 the democratically elected government in a coup In due time, several of these parties discontinued [4] http://www.haveeru.com.mv/news/40129 d’état.”What is equally suspicious is that on the their participation in the coalition government [5] http://www.haveeru.com.mv/news/40140 same day of Nasheed’s overthrow, the Maldives and several appointed cabinet members, to name [6] http://www.haveeru.com.mv/news/40149 and National Broadcasting Commission (a national some, Gasim, Dr. Jameel and Dhiyana resigned http://www.haveeru.com.mv/news/40208 television station) was violently overrun. Adam from their cabinet posts.In the last quarter of Shareef, the MNBC Managing Director shared his 2011, Adhaalath party too broke away from the http://biskoadhu.wordpress. experience saying, “I was hiding inside the light coalition government[2], leaving the Maldivan com/2012/02/14/the-ideals-of-democracy- room until the security forces assured me I would Democratic Party and Gaumee Iththihaad the in-jeopardy be given protection. When I came out Dr. Wa- only two parties in the Nasheed administration. heed’s brother Ali Waheed was there. He shook After the arrest of Judge Abdulla Mohamed in my hands and said that he was there to take over the month of January 2012, which ‘enraged’ MNBC on behalf of Vice President Dr. Waheed. the opposition to the Nasheed administration, Open Salon / Mary Keck This was before Nasheed resigned.”With more in- a series of protests erupted in the capital city formation regarding the transfer of power coming Male’ organized by the opposition to the Nasheed An Arab out every day, it seems that the U.S. will discover administration, which prolonged for a staggering that President Nasheed was forced to leave office. 21 nights.On the early hours of the fateful, 07 Feb- Spring With- The question remains: how will our government ruary 2012, a significant number of police officers react to the truth of this coup d’état?In response and a number of the military personnel refused to out Sup- to other Arab Springs, America has been support- co-operate with the existing President and along ive. While Mubarak was still in power, President with the opposition called for his resignation. port Obama said, “the people of Egypt have the right It was loudly advocated that the Vice President to determine their own destiny. These are human should take over and also that the existing Mal- February 14, 2012 rights, and the United States will stand up for divian Democratic Party would remain in power. them everywhere.” Concerning Syria, Obama On 7 February 2012 Nasheed resigned from his Many believe the “Arab Spring” first blossomed expressed recently that he hoped to “create the post as the President of Maldives at around 1300 with Tunisia’s 2011 elections; however, a Muslim kind of international pressure and environment hrs[3] and the Vice President Dr Waheed was country protested its way to democracy three that encourages the current Syrian regime to step sworn in as the president at roughly around 1500 years before. In the Republic of the Maldives aside so that a more democratic process of transi- hrs[4].In the following few days, the new Presi- in October of 2008, the people of a beautiful tion can take place.” Obama celebrated Libya’s dent Waheed of the Gaumee Ithihaad advocated island nation toppled an authoritarian regime by revolution saying, “Libya is a lesson in what the that a new “unity” government will be formed[5] holding their first multi-party election. From it, international community can achieve when we and subsequently a new cabinet was appointed[6] a leader who had been tortured and imprisoned stand together as one.”Since his deposition, Mo- by the President, partly consisting of; under the rule of the previous dictator emerged: hamed Nasheed has requested that the new presi- Mohamed Nasheed.After his election, President dent step down and the country be allowed to Minister of Defence – Mohamed Nazim (DRP) Nasheed, known as Anni by his people, chose to hold early elections. In response, Robert Blake has

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 19 said that the Maldivians are not ready for a free present when the trio went upto Nasheed and and fair election process.If the U.S. is faced with demanded his immediate resignation along that Minivan News / Azra Naseem evidence that the president of the Republic of the of the resignation of then Commissioner of Police Maldives was unlawfully removed, they should Faseeh and Asst. Commissioner Athees. Interna- recognize the human rights of those who live on the islands of the Indian Ocean, and their desire It is good that President Waheed has announced tional com- for democracy should not go without support. an “independent and impartial investigation” into developments in Maldives between January 14 Correction (edited on 2/15): Former Vice President munity’s in- and February 8. In his website he has said that Waheed does not appear in the video of Gayoom the investigation would create “ factual and legal loyalists encouraging mutiny against Nasheed.For action may clarity” around events with a “direct bearing on more information: An excellent piece on the role the constitutional transfer of executive power that of the Maldives internationally and the possible lead to car- took pace on February 7.” impact of democracy loss to the region by Vishal Arora inWorld Politics Review.(2/16) A glimmer of nage The issue is simple. Was Nasheed forced into hope for Maldives democracy. Early elections may resigning? If at all an investigation is to be done, February 15, 2012 yet be held! http://open.salon.com/blog/ it should only relate to the question whether the profkeck/2012/02/14/an_arab_spring_ former President was forced to quit. By specifying The Maldives is beautiful. It is an archipelago of without_support. the date of January 14, the hope of those in power 1200 islands with pristine beaches, blue lagoons is that the resignation and change of guard all and thousands of coconut palms. It is one of the began because of the unlawful arrest of the Chief world’s most exclusive tourist destinations. It is South Asia Analysis Group / criminal Judge. a honeymooners’ haven and diver’s paradise. It Dr. S. Chandrasekharan is a hideaway for over-exposed celebrities and If the idea is to examine the events that led to the a sanctuary for the stressed. A string of islands Maldives: forced/voluntary resignation of Nasheed, then the nature intended as a playground for the rich and investigation should go back to the date of 23rd of famous. Somewhere where Western billionaires Moving To- December when the Islamists and the entire op- come to have spa treatments underwater and the position joined hands in a mass rally against the famous can relax without being photographed. A wards an government that eventually resulted in Nasheed picture postcard. being forced to quit. Impartial Well, here’s a news flash. The Maldives is home The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to 300,000 people. They may not appear in the Investiga- (CMAG) is sending an urgent ministerial mission photographs, they may not be serving you your to “ascertain the facts surrounding the transfer cocktails, they may not be cleaning your $4500 tion? of power and to promote adherence to Com- a night room, they may not be serving you the monwealth values and principles.” This action is $1000 dinner on your golden plate under the February 14, 2012 in pursuance of a new mandate given to the com- full-moon, and the hands massaging your body monwealth to consider “situations of concerns in in the spa under the palm tree may not be theirs, It was definitely a coup. Given the information member countries in a pro active, engaged and a but they exist. They live, they talk, they walk, they that has come out, I don’t see how anyone can positive manner.” feel, and they have the same silly notions about credibly argue otherwise.- Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, human rights, justice, equality and the rule of law former foreign minister of Maldives: On the 12th the President expanded his cabinet as any other people in the world. with seven more members besides the other two Increasing circumstantial evidence that is surfac- involved in the “operation topple.” Last week, the Maldivian government was over- ing in Maldives indicates that it was no “voluntary thrown; its first democratically elected president resignation” by former President Nasheed, but Of these, five are said to be hardcore political sup- held at gunpoint and forced to write a letter of something forced on him by outsiders who were porters of former President Gayoom. The other resignation. It has been reported that ‘tourists the immediate beneficiaries of the new regime. non political ones are experts in political economy barely put down their cocktails’ on the beaches This includes the present Defence Minister - Col. and public health. of their exclusive holiday resorts just a few waves (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim. of the ocean away, so far removed is the tourism In the disturbed situation that was seen, a few industry from the reality that Maldives is for One can blame Nasheed for his authoritative style Islamic hardliners attacked the Maldives national Maldivian people. of working or failing to understand the under Museum on 8th morning and destroyed several currents of Islam pervading in the country, but historical artifacts. The vandals targeted Buddhist Despite the tourists, and the rest of the world, he cannot be accused of telling a lie when he says relics and specimens retrieved from Buddhist being kept in deliberate ignorance, video evidence that he has been forced to quit at “gun point.” monasteries that depicted the pre Islamic life in exists of the coup right from the planning stages Maldives. to its successful execution. The only missing Video Recordings now show that the present footage, so far, is that of the deposed president Defence Minister who was just a civilian then A coral stone of Lord Buddha of 11th century sitting down to write the letter. Everything else, and the present Commissioner of Police, Abdulla recovered from Thoddoo in Alifu Atoll was from the violent take over of the state broadcaster Riyaz who was dismissed by Nasheed’s regime smashed to pieces. Other items destroyed included by armed ‘policemen’, the beleagured president entering the MNDF Headquarters and then Bohomala sculptures, monkey statues, a broken trying to control military and police personnel addressing the mutinous security forces in the Re- statue of Hindu God “Makara.” Even the glass case who were involved in the coup, coup leaders com- publican Square telling them over a loudspeaker housing the artifacts was not spared. manding the defecting officers, extreme brutality that he has conveyed their demands that included by the police against the public in the aftermath President’s “unconditional resignation.” I am reminded of the open destruction of Bamiyan of the coup – it is all there, if you want to see it. Buddha in Afghanistan, but what worries me is ‘Want’ being the keyword here. Later, he was also seen with new Commissioner the shape of things that are likely come in the fu- carrying the resignation letter of the President. ture. The religious extremists will have to be con- The ‘international community’ has not wanted How was he allowed to enter the MNDF barracks? trolled but can it be done when the new regime to do so. British Prime Minister David Cameron, On what basis did he carry the resignation letter? owes it position to the very same perpetrators of who had only months before described the These are the questions that are likely to be asked wanton vandalism? deposed Maldivian President Nasheed as his ‘new when a serious investigation is made. best friend’, refused to lend him any support. http://www.southasiaanalysis.org/pa- It now transpires that besides the retired Col. pers50/paper4916.html India, the supposed leader of democracy in South Nazim and the dismissed Police Commissioner Asia, was the first to congratulate the new gov- Riyal, former Chief Inspector ‘FA’ Fayaz was also ernment and pledge its allegiance to its leader Dr

20 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik. the events of 7 February and the conspiracies that led up to it, the international community is doing Sri Lanka, despite Nasheed’s ill-judged support of what it does best: ignore a threat until it escalates President Mahinda Rajapaksa while the intena- to the point where there is carnage on the streets tional community condemned him for alleged and thousands of lives are lost. human rights abuses, followed suit. The most significant characteristic of the days It would come as no surprise for any observer of that have followed 7 February in the Maldives is China’s recent foreign policy decisins that Beijing the deafening silence of the Islamists. They helped had no qualms over the legitimacy of the new incite hatred and anger towards Nasheed when he government in declaring its willingness to carry was the legitimate president; they were the loud- on with business as usual. est and the most vocal of his critics. In the week that has followed his ousting, they have been Australia, home to many Maldivians and suppos- ominously silent. And, judging from how they edly a close friend, found the Maldivian situation have conducted their operations in the Maldives to be fodder for political jokes; the violence that for the last decade, the silence is not due to pi- its people endured in the aftermath of the coup ous reflection and quiet contemplation of God’s nothing but material for double-entendres to be greatness. It is a silence of anticipation, the calm lobbed between parliamentarians on opposite before the storm. The conspirators who financed sides. the coup have done a deal with them, and they are waiting in silence because they are sure their And, of course, given the manner in which the grand chance is about to come. That is, the chance United States has sought to spread democracy in to impose Sharia rule in the country, the chance the world in the last decade, it should come as to crackdown on the women and turn them into no surprise that it finds no room to exercise its inferior human beings and citizens, the chance to soft power in assisting Maldivians establish the bring the Maldives back to the early days of ‘pure’ truth about how their democracy was derailed Islam and turn it into the newest region of the last week. Islamic Caliphate that bin Laden envisioned.

The international community is making a huge Unfortunately, we live in a world of realist mistake in ignoring the current crisis in the international politics where until a state’s own Maldives. The foremost reason being that the ‘national interest’ is threatened or one’s own self- Maldives is incapable of conducting its own inde- interest is at risk, there is no ‘legitimate’ reason pendent investigation into the events of the day to act. As long as the anti-democratic activities as the international community is recommending. in the Maldives pose no geostrategic threat to Like a small community in which twelve impartial the ‘international community’, as long as foreign people cannot be found for a jury in a trial where investment in the Maldives is safe, as long as everybody has a stake in the verdict, there can be tourists can keep sipping their cocktails under the no tribunal of truth held in the Maldives where palm trees, and as long as Maldivian blood does the majority is not biased one way or another. not spill on the pristine white beaches that the rich and famous lounge about on, paradise is not The United States and others have rejected the lost. Until then what prevails will be accepted as deposed president and his supporters’ calls for what passes as ‘democracy’ these days – govern- new elections on the basis that there are no ment for the rich by the rich. institutions capable of holding a fair and free one. What makes it, and the rest of the interna- http://minivannews.com/society/comment- tional community, then think that there can be international-communitys-inaction-may- an independent institution capable of conducting lead-to-carnage-32189 an impartial enquiry into the facts of 7 February? If any of the international teams that have been so active in the Maldives in the last week have done any homework at all, they know the biggest Kennedy Graham impediment to consolidation of democracy in the Maldives has been failure of the so-called Maldives: independent institutions have been unable to free themselves from political influence. How to con- It is not just the Maldivian people that the inter- done regime national community is betraying by leaving them to their own fate. It is also the ideals of democracy change…. they have espoused so stridently, not to mention violently, for the last decade. By refusing to help February 16, 2012 the Maldivian people establish the truth of how its first democratically elected president was de- Nothing is simple under the Sun. Just when posed, it is allowing the burial without ceremony you thought democracy was safe at home in the of the role that anti-democratic forces – including Maldives, along comes unconstitutional regime radical Islamists – have played in bringing the change. And there is some concern that UN lead- fledgling Maldivian democracy to its knees. ers are tempted to condone it. So what does the NZ Government think? Ahem, not much. It is also turning its back on a valuable oppor- tunity to increase its own knowledge of how Since independence, Maldives effectively main- Islamists can radicalise not just a small Muslim tained a single-party system until very recently. community, but an entire population. Available President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom remained evidence shows that without a clear pact made in office for 30 years, re-elected six times by with Islamists, the coup could not have been suc- referendum as the sole candidate – internationally cessfully planned or executed. By refusing to help well-known; legitimacy assumed or disregarded. join Maldivians’ efforts to establish the truth of

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 21 The post-Cold War democracy movement left the and integrity. election thus makes more sense than prolonging Maldives unmoved. It took 15 more years for a the current stalemate between MDP and the rebel multi-party system, and genuine presidential elec- http://blog.greens.org.nz/2012/02/16/ regime.Those in the current ruling establishment, tions to be held, under international observation, maldives-how-to-condone-regime-change…/ especially the political leaders with parties who in 2008, with parliamentary elections in ’09. do not have a firm representation with the people would obviously prefer to consolidate their newly Gayoom stood again. His challenger, Mohamed gained power, instead of opting for the ballot Nasheed, a 44-year-old journalist and environ- Ahmed Ali Naseer box. mental activist, had enjoyed years of incarceration and exile in controversial circumstances during Creating an http://ahmedalinaseer.blogspot. the Gayoom rule. They are not exactly close. Na- com/2012/02/creating-environment-for- sheed won, and has governed since late ’08. environment election.html. source A mixture of religious intensity and economic for an Elec- difficulty has made Maldivian politics fragile since then. The Maldives is not the only country to be tion Drink C*nt Juice experiencing riots in today’s financially neurotic world. But the army and the police fell out, and February 16, 2012 The chal- Nasheed resigned, and his Vice-President, from Nasheed’s coalition but a different party, was http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/02/16/uk- lenge ahead sworn in. Nasheed has subsequently alleged that maldives-president-idUKTRE81F0GO20120216 his resignation was coerced. He has since been ”At the moment, the election is scheduled for late for Mal- physically maltreated and has earned a new arrest 2013, more than a year and a half from now. If we warrant. agree to bring it forward we will have a discus- dives sion with all political parties, but the conditions The question is whether the transfer of power have to be right to ensure there will be free and February 17, 2012 was legitimate or not. No doubt the new regime fair elections,” Waheed told Reuters on the phone will invoke the ‘doctrine of necessity’, as with from Male, the capital of the 1,200-island nation. In a country of 300,000 people related by blood, Musharraf in Pakistan and Bainimarama in Fiji – For the conditions to be made right, in order to brainwashing has created a class of people who not the most reassuring of precedents. But it has ensure a free and fair election, it is I believe up to seek violence as a way for their survival and to be queried whether the transfer is legitimate, the current government in place to facilitate some progress. From the ancient Sultans and up until given the charges of the deposed president. of those conditions. To begin with, Waheed’s Maumoon’s time, the governance of Maldives has regime must order the security establishment to always been usurped and abused by groups of It is a tough call for world leaders – recognise refrain from conducting unlawful arrests of MDP people who believe in operating according to the the regime change permanently; recognise it members and supporters. As I write, there are law of the jungle: by exterminating all opponents. temporarily, pending new elections; or withhold reports of police and MNDF actively involved It was the present day’s reform-minded Maldiv- recognition and enforce the reinstatement of the in Shaviyani Milandhoo. Reports say that an ians, including Nasheed and the MDP, which elected president (through all necessary means, as unconfirmed number of arrests were made today sought to bring an end to this ominous cycle, and in Haiti in the ‘90s...). in Milandhoo, and that the MNDF team is car- even when he resigned under duress, that was the rying those arrested in a speed launch travel- message that he sought to give: no matter what The UN Secretary-General hopes (8 Feb.) that the ling towards Fonadhoo.Meanwhile, the ousted happens, no Maldivian should ever suffer violence ‘hand-over of power’, which “has been announced President Mohamed Nasheed and his party have from now on - even if it means letting the old as a constitutional step” to avoid further violence continuously and consistently been calling for an wolves back into power.Perhaps this is the reason and instability, will lead to the peaceful resolution early election.If we examine the current situation, why many youth, who are not even supporters of of the on-going political crisis. He has acknowl- it is quite evident that the new Home Minister the MDP and who were previously not politi- edged Nasheed’s “important contribution ... to the Mohamed Jameel has unleashed a campaign cal, are now showing sympathy to Nasheed and establishment of democracy” – a salute into the of terror against MDP and President Nasheed. voicing support at MDP rallies because they have sunset.... His Assistant Secretary-General, follow- Perhaps Mr. Jameel’s intention is to disqualify as also finally realized what has been wrong with ing a quick visit, concludes there are ‘no external many MDP members from voting in any election. the Maldives: that we have always been governed solutions’ – code: no military intervention from It is also quite apparent, that the rebel regime is with the threat of violence, and that the coup, for outside – USA, India, whoever. attempting to put Mohamed Nasheed behind bars whatever reasons it happened, had once again and to prevent him contesting any election. This allowed Maumoon’s torturous allies to come back So UN leaders, along with the IPU President, are will leave the field wide open for Waheed and his to power in Maldives. This includes a few people confining themselves to appeals for ‘inclusive colleagues who master-minded the coup.Incom- in gangs, police, military and the opposition who political dialogue, non-violence, restraint and ing reports from the outer islands show that the showed their brutality by attacking peaceful pro- stability’. Thus are coups consolidated. security forces are trying to detain as many MDP testers without warning.Hence, police brutality in supporters as possible. Their efforts are helped by the aftermath of Nasheed’s resignation was most The NZ Government, of course, has said nothing the absence of foreign media in these islands, and unfortunate in that many Maldivians have once about a policy: one small country to another..... the inability of the Police Integrity Commission again become hopeless as to how this torturous pleasantries all round.... check out what Washing- and the Human Rights Commission in monitoring cycle can be broken. The really scary result of this ton has said.... Police and MNDF operations outside Male’.The renewed brutality is that even previously harm- alternative to an early election will be a sustained less people, after witnessing the carnage in Male’, We were all a bit more clear-eyed over Fiji. The stalemate between the rebel regime and MDP Thinadhoo and Addu, have become so trauma- extra kilometres change nothing. Both are parliamentarians. For instance, it is inconceivable tized that they are now developing an attitude members of the Commonwealth – and Fiji is that MDP parliamentarians will vote to approve that “we have to fight fire with fire” which is re- suspended. any of Waheed’s Cabinet appointments, including ally scary and which will spell doom for Maldives his chosen Vice President. In the present condi- in the longterm.So, this is a really trying time I urge the NZ Government to call for the follow- tion, it is also highly unlikely that the MDP – ini- for Maldivians, and I believe that this is the time ing: tiated development programmes can be success- when people should seriously listen to Nasheed’s - An end to violent police retribution against fully implemented to the satisfaction of the public, message of non-violence, regardless of whether members of parliament and civilians; who voted for MDP.Furthermore, the mainstay of they support or do not support the MDP person- - An international investigation of the circum- the local economy being tourism, it is paramount ally. This might be a hard thing for people -- espe- stances that led to the change of government; that the political situation in the country be dif- cially those who have experienced police brutality - A pledge for new elections within 6 months, fail- fused to usher in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. -- to accept, but come to think of it: like Nasheed, ing which, suspension from the Commonwealth; This can only be achieved if the current regime in I do believe that if we have to keep Maumoon’s - Supervision of the elections by the UN, observed power halts its terror campaign against the sup- loyalists in check, the only way we can peacefully by the Commonwealth, to ensure their fairness porters of the ousted president. Going for an early do that is by showing to them that the majority

22 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion of Maldivians today do not support violence and support, AFTER you do what the society, what the will not tolerate anyone who condones injustice. Maldivians, expect you to do. And that is simple. Mohamed U-Shau When Maumoon’s loyalists realize that they are Everyone knows and accepts, clear as day, that a minority, and that there is no more room for this was an overthrow, and that it cannot be right. Meeting with acting violent in a country which is becoming Brutality and violence against unarmed civilians more aware of human rights, only then will all during a peaceful protest cannot be right. Vandal- the Crusader Maldivians be able to live in peace - regardless of ism of public property, whoever is responsible who is in power. for it, cannot be right. Losing confidence in the of Democra- law enforcement institutions, as well as abuse http://drinkcuntjuice.blogspot. of power by the authorities, cannot be right. Say cy com/2012/02/challenge-ahead-for-mal- something, do something, do what is right.I do dives.html not expect civil society to take sides, I do not February 17, 2012 expect them to reiterate President Nasheed’s views or MDP’s opinions or this illegitimate As the nation is headed for the biggest political government’s rhetoric. I want to hear their voice, rally in its history, I am not in the mood to talk Cheeky Slyph their independent objective word. I hear nothing, about how the advent of democracy was abruptly and that breaks my heart. The people decided who disrupted, only three years later on 7th February Wake up, was to lead them, and now he is their leader no 2012.There is enough dismal facts, imagination more. Now it is time to find out what the people driven wild fictions, and unconfirmed stories of civil soci- want again. Civil society should be concerned, the events leading up to extinction of Democ- should strive in their fullest capacity to enable racy in Maldives that would keep us entertained ety! the people’s voice to be heard. I am not saying and bewildered, curious and cautious for ages it is possible to have an election in the next two to comes.While the issue of forceful deposing a February 17, 2012 months. I am saying civil society should atleast democratically elected president by a mutiny of press for a timeline. We cannot and should not factions from police and mndf, leaving the vice Being someone who has been involved with continue with this atrocity until elections in 2013. president to be his successor creates contentious NGOs and volunteer work for various social I have frequently seen certain faces from the civil room, whether the new government is democratic causes for nearly a decade, I was and still am society in the media spotlight over the past couple or not: without a shadow of doubt, police brutal- stupefied by the inertia and silence of the civil of years. Where are they now? Wake up and say ity is a universal characteristics of a dictator- society during this atrocious coup and overthrow something, do something. If you look away and ship.Just only 24hours after later it was evident of the elected government of this country. I have give a cold shoulder, if you ignore the pleas of that our nation has plummeted from a desirable worked alongside many civil society leaders who this country and her people when they need you democracy to the iron grips of a dictatorship on have been very vociferous about every right the most, you have NO right whatsoever to say February 7, 2012. Brutal crackdown, unlawful imaginable, who have proclaimed to be the ever anything about anybody’s right in the future, and detention, merciless beating during and in ar- alert watchdogs of society, who have set examples you will have lost your credibility and integrity in rest, coercion and intimidation of the public and and inspired people like me to take the lead and the people’s eyes.One of my friends from the civil growing civil unrest that followed are clear cut venture out with our own causes and campaigns society reassured me that they will be voicing indicators of the transition of power our nation and projects to defend rights and freedoms which their views in the near future, but I can under- underwent, overnight, from a democracy to a dic- we hold dear.And yet today, I am disappointed stand one voice might not amount to much in the tatorship.Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet and disillusioned. The silence of these leaders crazy cacophony at the moment. But they im- the former president at his home Kenereege. I is so deafening my ears hurt. I have spoken at portant thing is that they would have done what was there on an invitation by President Nasheedh length with many of my friends who had been is right, and not compromised their intregrity. to meet the civil society and NGOS of Maldives. active agents in civil society, following these I guess a sense of right and civil society’s duty Meeting with the internationally acclaimed outrageous events - not only the mutiny and and role in society is not entirely forgotten. Sadly crusader of Democracy at his home, surrounded overthrow of the government, but also the terrible such passion and courage seem to be rare these by his former cabinet members and parliamentar- brutality and unbelievable cruelty of the police days, and half the population sits back passively ians of MDP was one of the most inspirational on 8 February. I could empathize with many of hoping for someone to come and put things right, moments I had since 7th February.I thought of them who claimed that they were not prepared or like a bunch of ostriches with their heads in the dedicating this post to President Nasheedh and all equipped to respond as well as they’d like, I could sand, while the other half are arming themselves believers, supporters, advocates and campaigners also understand that they were being ignored mentally and physically for the biggest political of democracy. Below are some truly inspirational and sidelined by most of the media channels who battle this country has ever seen.To thine own quotes of Nasheedh from the discussion we had are controlled by the opposition. But I cannot self be true, and it must follow, as the night the yesterday.On elections:There momentum result understand not doing anything. I cannot accept day, thou canst not then be false to any man. and the impact of an election is ultimately a very that they who had been so vocal about transpar- ~William Shakespeare, HamletPs- Right now, I decisive factor: which is primarily why people ency and anti-corruption and human rights and am going to join the peaceful protest starting in focus on ballot boxes. For instance neither our democracy and this and that - those who claimed a few minutes at Thinbaaru point, not because I party nor any other political party can afford to were such staunch defenders of these principles am hardcore yellow, not because I hate police, not be engaged in other activities that are unrelated and values, and hence such a threat to the opposi- because I have any personal grievance with Dr. to the election.Even in most volatile political en- tion and corrupt police that their phones were Waheed... but because I cannot sit back and do vironments, even when a nation is under attack, recorded and emails were intercepted... I cannot nothing against the trampling of the people’s will or been bombarded if stability and peace is to be fathom why they are silent now! What will you and their rights, because I want to take my stand realized and restored then I believe we will have tell your grandkids - your country called for you against police brutality and cruelty and injustice, to resort to an election: the results of the election this day, but you could not muster up the courage because I believe this was a blatantly obvious will and can ultimately decide the fate of that or the will?To know what is right and not do it is coup engineered by a plot among corrupt forces, nation.I believe that there is no time or environ- the worst cowardice. ~ConfuciusThis is your time because I want them to be brought to justice, and ment that is not conducive for an election. What civil society, this is your moment, this is when the most importantly because I believe doing nothing makes the situation conducive is also the call for country and her people need you the most. You is just as well as siding with the wrong and get- an election.For any reason we as a nation cannot can save the dolphins in these waters, you can call ting my own hands soiled with the blood of my afford to delay or not have an election. Without for an end to corruption in the parliament, you fellow Dhivehin. an election we cannot establish the legitimacy can protest against torture in jails, you can have of this government. We will not join the current a walk against domestic violence and a dinner http://airyfairybliss.blogspot. government. We also will relentlessly continue to night for drug abuse awareness and an exhibition com/2012/02/wake-up-civil-society.html pressure the government. So for instance I do not to highlight child abuse... AFTER you save this see without the representation of the membership country and her people from the clutches of total of our party of how the government will appoint chaos, anarchy and selfdestruction, from the the ministers and the vice president and ample of verge of civil war and utter lawlessness! You can such other issues. So I do not see any other way work for your causes, which I myself strongly than opting for an election for any political leader

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 23 in Maldives.On Police and MNDFPolice and mndf will only behave as they are instructed. It Waheed is very clear for us. They would only act as they are instructed or commanded. We know this February 18, 2012 from the past.On revolution:Revolutions are very common. For the international community and ‘Since Mohamed Nasheed of Kenereege who held for diplomats it is nothing new at all. Only a few the post of the President of the Maldives is an days ago a revolution in Thailand selected a new anti-Islamic, corrupt, authoritarian, and violent leader only to be ousted in another revolt. This is individual who abused the Constitution; and nothing new to the rest of the world. Only we are given that Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed shocked, sad and worried.On civil disobedience:If Hassan Manik is the man to steer the country to a we do not get an election we will be left with no safe harbour, the Consultative Committee of Ad- option but resort to civil disobedience. I believe haalath Party has taken the unanimous decision civil disobedience is a peaceful political activity. to pledge allegiance to Dr Waheed and to support It does not incite violence. I would beseech from his government until 2013’. – Adhaalath Party, 7 all Maldivians to join in the civil disobedience. February 2012 On Democracy:I am not saying that I’m the best democrat. Neither I am saying that everything I Maldivian Islamists played an instrumental role do is in accordance with the best democratic prin- in the events of 7 February 2012, which forced the ciples but for us there is nothing more sacred than country’s first democratically elected president democracy. It is our firm understanding that there Mohamed Nasheed to ‘resign.’ Coup Deniers and is nothing more we can achieve by forfeiting de- followers of Islamists vehemently object to any mocracy. It is also our belief that if we forfeit de- such claim. The Islamists themselves, however, mocracy there is nothing we can gain. I believe if have been very public, and very publicly proud, of we give up on democracy neither we can achieve the ‘religious duty’ they performed by facilitating the development we aspire.On Peaceful political the removal from power of Nasheed – in their activity: I request all not to climb the areca palms opinion an anti-Islamic heretic. planted on the street even to take pictures of the protest. I can see many journalist and photogra- This is clear from the many proclamations and pher doing it. I request them no to do so. NGO, announcements they made in the lead up to Reporters, Observers and political party represen- and in the aftermath of Nasheed’s ‘resignation’. tatives shouldn’t do that. We should not harm the Having declared Nasheed a heretic on 7 February, trees. Neither should we vandalize a moto bike or Adhaalath Party put out a press release on 8 Feb- damage any other property. I am certain without ruary, the worst day of violence since transition to a shadow of a doubt that we can control our democracy. It called on people to stand up against demonstrators. Tomorrow (17th February 2011) Nasheed, “with swords and guns” if needs be. Any we will see the largest number of people Maldives Maldivian who failed to do so was a sinner, and has seen in a gathering so up to date. Yet we will had no right to live in the country. Fight Nasheed be capable of bringing pin drop silence at times or emigrate; Jihad against him or be eternally we need to so and we will make our voices heard damned, it said. The ‘truth’ of their words was loud and clear when we need to. We will be re- bolstered by selective quotations from Islamic sponsible for that, because we should be able and teachings. Accepting Waheed—”a just ruler”— we will have that much control over our people. was portrayed as a religious duty of Maldivian That control will be established through the mic, Muslims. by rhetoric, not by batons and pepper spray.Even if they hit, Don’t hit back. Do not retaliate!ON the Replacing Nasheed with Waheed, the ‘haram’ role of civil society: I want you to be honest. To be president with the ‘halal’ president, appears to be sincere and to observe and report everything with what Adhaalath President Sheikh Imran Abdulla honesty sincerity and integrity. referred to on 31 January as ‘Phase Two’ of ‘the work we have been doing until today.’ What was I support today’s rally for democracy. Even it’s a the work Adhaalath and its allies had been doing political party and if its MDP that is doing it I am until then? with them. Setting the stage: grooming the popula- http://mushau.blogspot.com/2012/02/ tion: Out of necessity, Nasheed had to include meeting-with-crusader-of-democracy. Adhaalath Party in the coalition government he html. put together in 2008. To put it mildly, the liberal minded president and the ultra-conservative Adhaalath Party had nothing in common. Despite the frequent clashes over various issues—sell- Minivan News / Azra Naseem ing alcohol on inhabited islands, making Islam an optional rather than a compulsory subject in Operation secondary school, introduction of ‘religious unity regulations’, provision of land for an Islamic Col- Haram to lege in Male’—Nasheed had no choice but to stick to his coalition agreement. The turbulent political Halal – marriage of convenience came to an end only in September 2011 when Adhaalath voted to sever the Islamist the coalition agreement citing Nasheed’s lack of cooperation in its efforts to ‘strengthen’ Islam in role in the Maldives. replacing In the intervening period, driven by pragmatic reasons and by an oversimplified belief that Nasheed with freedom of expression is sacrosanct—no matter what the consequences—Nasheed failed to impose any restrictions on the increasingly extremist and

24 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion hardline rhetoric of the Islamists. With Adhaal- was taken down, and the monuments were put Phase One, Stage Two: the unholy alliance ath’s Dr Abdul Majid Abdul Bari at the helm under police protection until they were destroyed. between ‘democrats’ and Islamists: It would of the Islamic Ministry, radical preachers from All in the name of protecting Islam. be a mistake to assume that the Islamists, as wide- abroad and from within the country were given spread and powerful as their influence among the free-reign, and funds from the public coffer, to On 24 November 2011, visiting UN Human Rights general population has been, would have been address the Maldivian population. 2010 saw, for Commissioner Navi Pillay addressed the Maldiv- able to successfully depose Nasheed on their own. example, the Indian televangelist Dr Zakir Naik, ian parliament and spoke out against the practice Rather, this occurred when opposition parties, as well as Jamaican Dr Bilal Philips and British of flogging, which continues to this day. The pub- having proven time and again their penchant for Sheikh Abdurraheem Green address the Maldiv- lic furore incited over the ‘idols’ had not yet died regarding Islam—and democracy itself for that ian public. In addition to the foreign preachers, down down. Islamists saw another opportunity to matter—as open to opportunistic appropriation, Maldivian missionaries trained at madhrasaas keep the hysteria alive. They led about a hundred allied with the Islamists with this very goal in in Pakistan and ultra-conservative schools and or so angry people to the doors of the UN build- mind. universities in India, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere ing to protest against Pillay’s call for a humanitar- bombarded Maldivians with radical rhetoric from ian approach to punishment. Although Nasheed’s Eight opposition parties of the Maldives and allied every available public platform. Islamic Ministry unequivocally condemned the NGOs put their organisational and rallying tools speech, Nasheed himself spoke in favour of Pil- behind the 23 December protests. That this was an Anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and intolerance of lay’s stance. For the ultra-conservatives in Parlia- alliance, for the political parties at least, wholly other religions became a part of daily discourse, ment and in socio-political positions of power, it devoid of any Islamic piety is clear from who broadcast on national television, played inces- was a sure sign that Nasheed was an anti-Islamic appeared as its leading members. A core group of santly in public spaces from taxis and ferries to ‘Western puppet.’ them were resort owners—rich tycoons who have loudspeakers on the streets. Close to 90 percent no qualms being purveyors of alcohol, pork, and of books stocked in most Maldivian bookshops The next plum opportunity for the Islamists came ‘hedonistic’ pleasures to ‘infidels’. What smacked during this period came to be those authored by on 10 December, the International Human Rights of hypocrisy and opportunism even more was the extremists whose words were designed to Day, when a handful of young Maldivians staged the involvement of figures who had previously influence every little detail of a Maldivian’s life a minor ‘silent protest’ against the growing reli- spoken out against the rising extremism in the from toilet to conjugal relations. While extremist gious intolerance in the country. Despite the fact country. Present among them were, for example, literature flourished and their voice took over the that Nasheed’s government imprisoned one of the Dr Hassan Saeed who co-authored the book public sphere, the liberal voice floundered. When protesters, the Maldives’ only openly gay activist, ‘Freedom of Religion, Apostasy and Islam’ which concerned liberals approached Nasheed asking for religious conservatives were furious with Nasheed argues that Islam is a religion of tolerance. He his help in countering the voices of extremism, for not meting out severe punishment against the is now the newly appointed President Waheed’s his response was—more on less—to tell them ‘do protestors. It was deemed as further evidence of special advisor. it yourselves.’ The government, he said, could not Nasheed’s heresy. impose restrictions on speech. Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom had It is against this backdrop, and armed with these a statement read out in favour of the protests Despite the strong civil society that flourished pretexts, that the campaign to depose Nasheed despite his long career being rich with seminars during Nasheed’s government, the extremist was launched. Its first major public display was and papers arguing the tolerance and liberalism movement had become too strong by then for on 23 December in the form of a protest under of Islam. Without the easy manner in which these individuals—acting without any support from the banner: ‘Maldivians Defending Islam.’ Having figures dismissed their own convictions for the the State—to organise against it. The labels of been bombarded since November by mes- sake of political power, the Islamists would not apostasy, heresy and anti-Islamic agent’ had sages that Nasheed is a threat to their faith, and have been able to push their agenda onto the Mal- become too powerful as political tools by then convinced by the relentless extremist rhetoric divian people so easily. It was a case of political for any anti-extremist group or movement to be of years, thousands of Maldivians spilled onto parasites feeding off each other. able to get a foothold in the public sphere. Many the streets of Male’ in ‘defence of Islam’. What individuals attempted to organise into groups, but a majority of the people had not had the time or The next step was the publication of a pamphlet were shutdown as anti-Islamic before they could space to understand is that the threat to Maldiv- by Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP), or Maldivian become a coherent voice in society. Anyone who ians’ faith has come not from Nasheed but from National Party, that provided alleged details of a expressed doubt about their faith in Islam was the extremists. secret agenda pursued by Nasheed to undermine branded an apostate and ostracised. The strength Maldivians’ Islamic faith. The 30-page pamphlet, of these prevailing sentiments was seen in the For hundreds of years, insulated as the country ironically, can easily rival Dutch politician Geert suicide of Ismail Mohamed Didi, a 25-year-old had been from the rest of the world, Maldivians Wilder’s hate-filled anti-Islamic film ‘Fitna’ in man who hanged himself in July 2010 after being were largely ignorant of the various conflicts its use of the Qur’an to incite hatred. There was hounded by friends and family for expressing within and around the ‘Islamic world’. The very little that matters to Muslims that was not doubt over his belief in Islam. The extremists were Islam that Maldivians practised was personal—a exploited for political gain in the publication. determined that the myth of ‘Maldives is a hun- deeply held faith that did not need mediation by Nasheed government’s decision to foster business dred percent Muslim nation’ will be maintained, ‘scholars’ or preachers. Public displays of piety, with Israel was depicted as an ‘alliance with Jews’ even if it meant the oppression and death of those such as having women shrouded in black or men at the expense of Palestinians and his bilateral who did not believe. hiding behind waist-length beards, were never ties with Western governments was portrayed part of the Maldivian belief system. Suppression as friendships with ‘enemies of Islam’. Blatant Phase One: Nasheed as heretic: The push to of women as second-class citizens, violence in lies, such as Christian priests being appointed as drive Nasheed out began in earnest at the end of the name of religion, disputes over which prayer Nasheed’s emissaries, were mixed in with facts 2011. Many incidents towards the end of the year to be said at what time, insistence on imposing that were twisted beyond recognition. proved fortuitous for the extremists. In November the death sentence, child brides, sex slaves—these Maldives hosted the annual summit meeting of were not part of the fabric of ‘Maldivian Islam.’ While using the democratic principle of freedom SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional The extremists introduced such ideology and of expression, freely granted by Nasheed, it Cooperation). Among bilateral gifts exchanged practices into the Maldives, and spread it across sought to convince Maldivians that modernity were various monuments and statues depicting the country using the very freedoms of democ- and Islam are diametrically opposed to each other. the culture and traditions of the gifting country. racy they rally against. The success of the extrem- Equating the overthrow of Nasheed’s government In the spirit of ‘building bridges’, the summit ists had been their ability to use its newfound with a religious duty, it called on all Maldivians theme, Maldives displayed a welcome banner at freedom of expression as a tool for convincing an to do what they can to unseat the immoral heretic the airport in which religious figures dear to all unsuspecting population that until the arrival of from power. Dr Hassan Saeed, author of the book members of SAARC were included. An image of these missionaries, Maldives had been ignorant of ‘Freedom of Religion, Apostasy and Islam’, is the Jesus was on the banner. Alleging that the banner the ‘right Islam’. deputy leader of DQP. Its leader is Dr Mohamed promoted Christianity and that several of the Jameel Ahmed. He is now the Minister of Home gifts—including one from Pakistan—were anti- It was in the defence of this extremism, which Na- Affairs in Dr Waheed’s newly formed cabinet. In Islamic idols of worship, religious organisation sheed had failed to act against—and which he was 2007 Dr Jameel was Gayoom’s Justice Minister, and parties galvanised the public into what can now being accused of threatening—that thousands and resigned seemingly in protest against Gay- aptly be described as mass-hysteria. The banner of Maldivians gathered in Male’ on 23 December. oom’s failure to reign in the increasing Islamic

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 25 militancy in the country. Less than five years both announced that since Nasheed had stepped knowledge of a coup, and refutes all allegations later, his supposedly staunch principles were outside of the boundaries of the constitution, that he was party to the plot that forced Nasheed nowhere in sight as he pushed Maldivians to their alliance had made a unanimous decision to from office. Even if he is given the benefit of the protest against Nasheed’s liberal government and pledge their allegiance to the Vice President. Their doubt, and under the unlikely circumstance that embrace Sharia. decision was reached, they said, after meeting he is, indeed, ignorant of the machinations of with Vice President Waheed earlier that night. the politico-religious alliance that facilitated his Phase One, Stage Three: Nasheed’s orders to Umar Naseer, who had repeatedly incited violence assumption of office, he should be aware that his have Judge Abdulla Mohamed arrested on 16 during the weeks of protests, calmly called upon position is precarious indeed. The only reason he January 2012 was like a manna from heaven for the armed forces of the country to refuse to obey has been given the seal of approval, Adhaalath the politico-religious coalition which was now any orders by their Commander in Chief Nasheed has made clear, is because he has not openly sided calling itself the December 23 Alliance. Here as he had ‘violated the Constitution.’ Umar Naseer with Nasheed in his many stand-offs with the was an opportunity to marry Nasheed’s alleged appeared not to know—or not to care—that calling extremists. Reading between the lines of President anti-Islamic activities with his violation of the on the nation’s security forces to disobey their Waheed’s utterances since assuming office, this constitution. Not one member of the opposition, leader did not figure anywhere in the constitu- was not out of choice—Nasheed did not allow nor the self-proclaimed champion of the constitu- tion either. Giving credence and weight to this him to participate in any decisions that mattered. tion, President Waheed, has ever spoken out call to unlawful acts, at least for those who were This is, in fact, President Waheed’s biggest gripes against the unconstitutional acts that has allowed convinced Nasheed was also a heretic, was Sheikh against Nasheed, seemingly on a par with the Judge Abdulla to remain on the bench. The very Imran and other religious ‘scholars’. deposed president’s unconstitutional arrest of the same leaders, who now bellowed and whipped the judge. people into a frenzy over the Judge’s detention, Would the mutinying police and military of- had presided over—and evidence exists, orches- ficers that joined them have helped overthrow President Waheed has close to him as his Special trated—the events which allowed convicted crimi- Nasheed’s government were they not convinced Advisor Dr Hassan Saeed and as his Home Min- nals and sex offenders to remain on the bench in they were acting, not just for the country, but ister Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed. Two leaders violation of Article 285 of the Constitution. for Allah too? It is possible—for reports sug- of the party that authored the pamphlet of hate gest that Allah was not the only God worshiped against Nasheed. One of the ‘sins’ the pamphlet Deleted from public discourse, and therefore miss- on that day; Mammon, too, commanded much alleges former president Gayoom committed as ing from public understanding, was the sad truth devotion. Yet, it is Allah that the men in uniform a leader was not forcing his wife to cover-up, that at the time of Judge Abdulla’s arrest there who took over the state broadcaster with such and not bringing his children in line with hard- were no democratic institutions capable of reign- violence thanked loudly for their success. ‘Allah line Islamic principles. For this, the pamphlet ing in his many unlawful acts on the bench. He Akbar, Allah Akbar!’ is what a band of military condemns Gayoom. President Waheed’s wife is had no scruples over letting dangerous criminals men marching on the streets of Male’ on that day guilty of the same ‘sin’, and his children, Western- walk free, espousing political views, and display- were calling out in unison. It is Allah’s name that educated and brought up in the United Sates, are ing sexual depravity in the courtroom. And he 2013 presidential candidate and owner of the Villa unlikely to heed any paternal demands to toe an bestowed on himself the authority to overrule the Resorts chain took when announcing Nasheed’s ultra-conservative Islamist line. At least one of his Judicial Service Commission, the independent in- resignation to the public before it happened. children is a liberal and an outspoken supporter of stitution established by the Constitution to over- One of the first acts of violence carried out on 8 democracy. Already, President Waheed is treading see the ethical and professional standards of the February was the destruction of Buddhist relics a thin line. judiciary. That the opposition’s use of the judge’s from the pre-Islamic history of the Maldives dat- arrest for inciting public protests was nothing ing back to the eleventh century. It is not the first It is only a matter of time before the Islamists be- more than political opportunism becomes clear in time that Madivian Islamists have emulated the gin re-instating their position, and President Wa- the fact that following Judge Abdulla’s release—on Taliban in their actions, and it will not be the last heed becomes the focus of their ire. It makes little the same day that Nasheed was deposed—there for many are disciples of the same form of Islam sense for them to have brought down ‘Nasheed has been no move to investigate the charges practised by the Taliban and several are alumni the Heretic’ if not for a promised bounty that is against him. Nor has President Waheed, taken any of the same madhrassas and universities Taliban not yet known. In their 8 February press release, it steps to initiate an investigation into the failures leaders attended. quotes from Islamic teachings as saying: of the JSC. It is as if Judge Abdulla has no pending complaints of judicial misconduct against him, It cannot be denied that a large number of those ‘It is the duty of every Muslim to wage a Jihad nor a criminal background. Exhausted by the who celebrated the departure of Nasheed were against those who apply any law other than that ‘ordeal’ in which he seems to have had no role to glad to see him go ‘because he violated the of Islamic Sharia. And, until such time as they play, he is now on a month-long holiday. constitution.’ But those who do genuinely believe have accepted Sharia and begun applying Sharia in the constitution, and are convinced that follow- among the people, it is your duty to wage war Phase Two: in the name of God and country: ing it is the way forward for the country, know against them. ‘ The two hundred or so members of the public who that deposing a democratically elected president came out to protest against Judge Abdulla’s arrest by a coup is hardly constitutional. They are the Clearly, the Islamists’ work has only begun. for 22 consecutive nights were a motley crew. many hundreds who have taken to the streets in Would President Waheed, who describes himself Some were there to defend extremism, others ‘colourless’ protests—they are not supporters of as committed to democracy, allow Islamic extrem- were there to defend the Constitution and demand MDP, nor necessarily of Nasheed. They, however, ism to further takeover the country and destroy the freedom of a politically biased, criminally disagree with how the democratically elected hundreds of years of peaceful, traditional Maldiv- convicted judge who remained on the bench in leader has been forced out. ian Islam? Would he stand up for his principles? violation of the Constitution. It was their honestly Or would he allow them to be sacrificed at the held belief that reinstating a judge found guilty of Apart from the diehard supporters of former pres- altar of his political ambitions? It remains to political bias was the way to give themselves an ident Gayoom and his allies, paid-for supporters be seen. As do details of the deal that was done independent judiciary. The rest were people who of Gasim, and other tycoons who have the coun- between political opportunists and the Islamists to would protest the opening of an envelope, social try’s politics in a stranglehold, the only people ensure Nasheed the haram president was replaced deviants, and hired thugs egged on by opposi- who remain jubilant at the overthrow of Nasheed by Waheed the halal president. tion MPs and party leaders who incited them to are those convinced beyond any reasonable doubt continued violence daily for three weeks. that he was an anti-Islamic heretic. In helping http://minivannews.com/politics/com- depose him, in celebrating his departure, they ment-operation-haram-to-halal-the-is- On 31 January, a week before Nasheed was forced have performed a religious duty. Replacing the lamist-role-in-replacing-nasheed-with- to resign, the 23 December Alliance met in the haram Nasheed with the halal Waheed may not waheed-32294. wee hours of the morning. Presiding over the be democratic but it has assured them of a place meeting was the President of Adhaalath Party in heaven. Little do they understand that, in this Sheikh Imran Abdulla. At his side, displaying life, the rewards of their toil will be reaped not by proudly the alliance between the political op- them or their children but by those who have so portunists and the Islamists, is the Vice President shamelessly exploited their belief in Allah. of former president Gayoom’s new Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Umar Naseer. They Phase Three?: President Waheed denies any

26 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion - to literally add injury to insult - have brutalized Yameen Rasheed them on the streets. Cheeky Sylph Wearing How did Dr Waheed and his traitorous allies dare I stand cor- to go on air and say with a straight face that they Yellow will deny the Maldivian public the right to express rected… and their opinion on a ballot? Astoundingly, he also February 18, 2012 claimed that government was toppled because sit back on ‘the President had lost support’. I do not usually care enough about politicians my kunaa… to go to their protests and listen to them throw The problem I have with that is that Dr Waheed around slogans.But I was present yesterday at the does not get to judge on behalf of the public. Nor February 19, 2012 Tsunami monument in Male’, as a mere yellow dot does Jameel or Abdulla Riyaz or Nazim get to among a sea of outraged citizens who were gath- decide on our behalf. Nor does the Police. The peaceful protest at Thinbaaru point contin- ered there in protest against the coup d’état that ues for the third day... still going strong, calling dislodged the country’s first elected government. (It enrages me that while they were engaged in for justice, taking our stand against tyranny and their treachery for their wealthy masters, reli- oppression and brutality, and against the cold http://www.youtube.com/embed/7QmKLceUNAI gious vandals stormed the National museum and hard slap in the face of democracy :) My salute to destroyed the last remaining treasures of our rich the families who have camped there, the couples Impressive time-lapse of yesterday’s protest by Buddhist legacy) who have strolled in hand in hand wearing their Senses0 badges with pride, the groups of friends who have I have not deputed these people to vote on my turned up to show support with kurumbaa and Something about the 7th Feb coup d’état has behalf. Nor did the the tens of thousands who majaa from the gaadiyaas, the surfers who show rubbed me the wrong way. It has made me angry gathered last night. their support in the waves as they best know how, in a way I cannot easily explain.Maybe it was the parents with their kids who come by in the the brutal police violence inflicted on my people. http://www.youtube.com/embed/hkTHl2OjIpE evenings with their balloons and party hats, the Maybe it was seeing eight cowards in riot gear spirited old ladies who come with their beetles- senselessly beating and kicking an unconscious I do not recognize the legitimacy of the band of nuts and bileygandu...these are Dhivehin, united man. Maybe it was watching helplessly as videos men who have declared themselves the govern- here in Dhivehi spirit. Trust Maldivians to turn emerged of the renegade Police taking away my ment, after forcing out the people’s elected leader anything into a festival :) And when I am amongst dad and other citizens, and hitting them with at gunpoint. them, I feel such a wave of love and admiration batons that we entrusted them with. for these people, for their commitment, courage For this reason, I cannot begin to accept a solution and strength of spirit.I wanted to make note of Perhaps it was the disgusting influence of corrupt, that involves having them seated in their usurped some points I had made previously. I had ofcourse tainted businessmen in the whole sordid deal that chairs till 2013. been critical of my perceived passivity of the civil pissed me off the most. society. A friend of mine very much engaged All of us who gathered last night had but one with civil society brought to my notice that many How did they even dare to think they could demand: Elections. Now. NGOs were communicating with international or- impose their will on us - using the public-funded ganizations as the Commonwealth and EU as well military and police force no less - and get away If Waheed or the Golhaa’s minions can win the as foreign diplomats, and that some were issuing with it? What arrogance drove them into thinking public vote, I shall accept and defend the public statements on the issue. As I stated previously it they could just beat up, lock up and intimidate the decision wholeheartedly. But I refuse to have is no surprise that opposition controlled media country’s citizens into submission? It was a rape someone rule over me forcibly at gun point. establishments do not cover their activities. I hope of democracy brazenly carried out in full public their efforts are brought to notice of the wider view. For all their guns and filthy money, I pity the public. Perhaps I should not have written Wake thieves who thought they could rob us of a up civil society, but rather Speak up, because I There is a reason why they call it blind rage. I democracy. No matter how much they censor the would really like to hear of what they are doing, have refused to condemn the so-called ‘arson’ and protests on their private propaganda outlets and and I would like the public to know of their ef- torching of police stations and courts in Addu. pretend otherwise, I am satisfied now that elec- forts. I laud the agents of civil society engaged in I daresay, if I had the chance, I probably would tions are inevitable.I also demand an inquiry into such efforts and wish them success and fruitful have done it myself. the events of 7th Feb; the police and military who results.Now to sit back on the kunaa and smile. broke the oath they made to the public should I listen to Vathan Edhey Gothah, and remember But last night’s massive protest has shown me a be stripped of their uniforms and forced to stand standing here in this very place 3 years ago, on new light. The feelings of rage and revenge have trial. The coup leaders should be identified and the dawn of democracy as it came to be known, given way to a feeling of pity for these fools who punished with the harshest possible punishments and I am overwhelmed with nostalgia. I remember think they can control the Maldivian public at for undermining the country’s democracy. I was there with a national flag, my friends were gunpoint again. with me, there was hugging and crying and even There is no other way to ensure that the ar- shocked disbelief all around. So many people, You have to hand it to the MDP, they know how rogance of a few rich, power-hungry men do not so much sacrifice, so much of blood, sweat and to do a protest right. threaten to collapse the rule of law in our country tears. My eyes are tearing, that was a beautiful again. day :) And to relive it again, I’ve posted a video by http://www.youtube.com/embed/iHhiJn8D7qs Fahud of Shiuz’s song on Youtube....bring it on, I _P.S. - I normally dislike associating myself with say! There was music. There was dancing. There were any political party. It goes contrary to my sin- the fiery speeches. There were the occasional cerely held belief that party leaders should work http://airyfairybliss.blogspot. videos played on screens, showing the renegade for the public rather than the other way around. com/2012/02/i-stand-corrected-and-sit- police tear-gassing and raining blows on unarmed However, last night, I wore yellow as a sign of back-on-my.html citizens and their elected leaders the day after the dissent against the current proxy dictatorship coup d’état, that still makes one’s blood boil no imposed on our people. I have not signed as an matter how many times one sees it. MDP member, and I probably won’t, but I fully intend to rally behind President Nasheed until the Ashween Mohamed But more importantly, I saw young people. Chil- people’s mandate is restored in a public election. dren, young teenagers, old people. Some of my DhiTV Expe- ‘non-political’ friends also joined in the protest http://uglyy.blogspot.com/2012/02/wear- for the first time.And why shouldn’t they? A ing-yellow.html rience..!! handful of coup leaders have displayed unbeliev- able arrogance in snatching the public’s vote and February 19, 2012

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 27 Ok, here is something i never spoke about. Only know is, it’s not NEWS for REAL, its just IDEAS, push..!! Only because everyone else is his slave or because I loved the crew i was working with, and ideas of just one person who gets paid heavily by something??!! Only because he knows how much i think most of the journalists working at DhiTV Champa. As he is the editor, as he has the power power he has gained over this small society??!! are pretty professional even though they aren’t to chuck away any reports that doesn’t please Fuck..I aren’t gonna work for this motherfucker..!! allowed to work and operate as real journalists. I him or conflicts with the ideas and visions inside I have a pride.. The pride of been a HUMAN..!! never studied or learnt anything about journalism champa’s mind. That was the last day i ever went there.The only until i joined DhiTV. I started reading text books reason i stayed was, I loved been a journalist, and and others reading materials for me to perform The thing i regret the most while working there is me not been part of that team would not make well as a real journalist. That’s how i do stuff, a report i prepared on student stipend, scholar- any difference. So why not try and give it a shot I educate myself. And journalism is not about ships and stuff like that. The report was too to change an organization, if you wanna do busi- giving your own thoughts and ideas, its about beautiful i think, so it never pleased the editor, ness, do business in the right way, without getting covering the reality of a story from all angles. All the reports gotta create confusion and hatred.!! too politically involved, that way we wouldn’t the whens and wheres has to be answered while That’s what we gotta keep in mind while writing have to lie and the people who thinks would also not been bias, journalism is not a job, its more of a anything at DhiTV. So i had to keep that report appreciate the work we are doing. As i know, if lifestyle. Once you choose to be a journalist, your a aside now, then try and get new and more we can operate a TV channel in its right way, we life would be all about it, as news is happening all information from some students having problems sure are gonna be able to earn a lot. Even rule a the time everywhere..!! in receiving the money.The objective would be to country, but we gotta be sincere. We gotta fit in create more hatred and unhappy people within morally. But the first thing the editors at DhitTV taught the public. Ok, i can do that, am pretty good with me was, this is a business of a huge businessman, that kinda stuff as well, am pretty good with I look at that experience of mine as one of the so you gotta follow his visions and ideas, basically sending out subliminal messages. As the most most important experiences of my life. As i learnt the ideas of Maumoon and his gang. And these interesting thing i ever studied was Advertising how a news room operates and how reliable the people never go to any MDP gatherings, as they and Designing. You might have not noticed, but news can be. Also learnt how easily we can re- don’t care about it or the journalists working advertising is the new name for mind controlling. circuit a human mind. That is one reason i realized there are tired of lying. So as i was the new one, i So ya, i got bits and pieces from different people, that the majority is stupid, as you, the majority had to attend to most of those MDP gatherings. I as you all would know, not everyone can be have given the media all the power it needs to always take notes and i come back and check on made happy, everyone has their own problems in influence the way you guys are living your life!! the video before i produce and write the news. their own ways. So i interviewed some unhappy After all, the TV does make you STUPID..!!Note:-I That is only because i want the public to know students and completed this report. When i first didn’t know where to fit this part in..ahah..ya.. the truth about everything and anything I cover, wrote it, it was this happy report about students there was this one time when i attended this DRP but every time i write and take it to my editor, getting scholarships and the Maldivian govern- meet, because the journalist assigned to the DRP he would like delete the whole article, just keep ment trying its best to provide all the students meetings got a bit busy. So he asked me to take the bottom part, and write everything that comes with the best facilities they can, but now the his place, also asked me not to give the news to to his mind, telling the people and reminding report is more like the government is trying to the editor before talking to him. So what i did the people about the fuck ups and mistakes the cover up stuff saying that they are trying to help, was, just attended the gathering, took my notes, government has done and that reminding is done but its all a lie as the students never got what the produced my own report and waited for my col- over and over again. That would be mind control- government has promised. I know that its not league, but never told him about the thing i wrote. ling dude..!! The funny thing is, these people are true, the government officials dealing with the The next day he came in, and asked me about it, so used to writing those lines that they can write matter knew it wasn’t true, the students who got i told him that i never wrote anything yet, as i those things by heart, and the audience never their stipend knew its not true. But i succeeded wanted to talk to him before anything, and did notice hearing the same shit over and over..??!!. making the editor happy, i succeeded creating tell him that its a bit long and a bit confusing if i Fucking morons..!!There was this one time, when confusion and hatred. whoop..!! So did i win any- have to remember everything that went on there. i wrote this article about some DRP dudes doing thing??!! Nope..I lost..!! I lost myself..!! He kept his cool, maybe he is just too experienced something, i really don’t remember what the ar- that he can go through the tape in no time and ticle was about. When i came out to go home that You wanna know the reality..??!! The students got write the report down. But Fuck...No man..!!! day, i heard the guys going around in a pickup, what they were promised even while the govern- He has a text message sent to him by Thasmeen chanting and calling out with their microphones, ment was still not that stable as everyone else is himself i think..As it really sounded pretty. He just asking all the DRP supporters to gather for a pro- breathing on its neck, making it very very difficult forwarded me the text and all I had to do was look test that night. I thought, Fuck man..!! I did that..!! for a government to perform at its full force. at the text and write it down as it was written by When am sitting there in my little work station And why is this happening..!!?? There are two them in the text. I cross checked the one they sent writing all this shit, i never think about the news channels promoting hatred and negativity with the one i wrote earlier, it was totally differ- impact am gonna create on the general public!! towards the current government, only because ent, sounded and would make totally different That thought never even crosses my mind, am i they never got their share of power. The fucked up impacts. Still these journalists are happy working just so used to creating chaos??!! I cannot keep on journalists are working around the clock making like that??!!hmm..Good for you man..!! writing about all this confusing and negative stuff. sure that the general public is confused and has Since I’ve joined DhitTV, the only thing I can feel a negative attitude towards the government, to- http://humanbein.blogspot.com/2012/02/ is negativity, as i have to lie everyday, as i have wards their life. You guys are been punked man..!! dhitv-experience.html to choose my words carefully, so that i can send Because no matter what happens, everyone can- subliminal messages to the public. And I know not be happy at the same time. Do LSD together am doing that, only because i needed money??!!.. at the same time??!! I really do think we gotta haha..am I allowed to fuck up lives of others to organize an event like the “Summer of LOVE”, Ashween Mohamed earn money??!! Does my conscience allows me to ‘Human Be In”..!! My Last Night at DhiTV :- do so..??!! Champa (Uchchu, one of the few people The Rally – who owns one of the biggest business empires in I was super high on “H” that night and was Maldives) thinks so for sure..!!I could’t hold on talking to my editor right outside the building. Rich Man’s for much long, my conscience was getting fucked Suddenly someone pushed me away, i never knew up, my morals were getting fucked up, now I have i was blocking the pathway. But still, even if it’s Game to fight my inner self to earn money..!! I knew i GOD, i don’t think GOD would push someone gotta fix that, and the only thing that came for else to make room for her to pass through. But February 19, 2012 my aid was “H”..aaah..You again.!!.I aren’t no Champa had to do that..!!haha..I was working for violent person, but they ask me to go to all these the motherfucker, promoting his fucked up ideolo- I got so many friends, and friends of friends protests where people beat up each other. Where gies, while fighting against myself, trying my best coming over to my place just to chill out. Just they throw stones at each other, where there is to write the truth as much as i can. And now this to have a smoke, and broaden the way they see blood every where to be found. Blood of confused Demigod has to push me to make way for him to stuff. As we smoke up together and when we start people, blood as an outcome from all those go home..??!! He could have excused himself, he talking about the stuff happening, it gives us a articles we’ve been writing while sitting in those could have just touched me on my shoulders and i more clearer image of what is really happening small rooms of ours. What the public doesn’t would’ve moved. But no, the Demigod just had to and rather than looking at a subject from one

28 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion angle, we develop a huge number of perspectives towards each of these subjects. And I think am the Minivan News / JJ Robinson in- luckiest guy there, as I am the guy listening to all terview with Aishath Velezinee those stories from all those different people. Q&A: “Silent Even yesterday, i really dunno how many people I’ve met. Almost everyone i met spoke to me coup has about the change, about the change in the political environment of The Maldives. It’s like i met with become the friends of my brothers, I met friends of friends, I met total strangers who made me laugh from armed coup” inside. Ya i met all sorts of people with different perspectives, intelligence and people who are – Aishath evolved in different environments. The strangest thing i noticed was, in all these stories I heard Velezinee from all these people, a few common names tend to pop up in every story. Names of four or five February 20, 2012 biggest businessmen of the Maldives. Aishath Velezinee was formerly the President’s Fuck man..!! I have to attend the rally again..!! Member on the Judicial Services Commission From listening to all those stories, I realized and (JSC), the watchdog body assigned to appoint and felt the danger we are in with my whole body. The investigate complaints against judges. Two years danger of few businessmen having the control ago she turned whistleblower and alleged the over Maldives, few businessmen been able to JSC was complicit in protecting judges appointed change A Constitutionally Elected Government in under the Gayoom’s government, and was collud- few hours time. And i never knew about MNBC ing with parliament to ensure legal impunity for (National Broadcasting Television Station) been senior opposition supporters. In January 2011 she taken over hours before the President resigned was stabbed twice in the back in broad daylight. and started broadcasting stuff about Buruma Gas- JJ Robinson: What do you think of the interna- im. Ya ya, we all know how lethal the media can tional community’s initial reaction to the events be, but all of that only proves that you’ve planned of February 7? all this, that you never gave a thought about the Aishath Velezinee: I think they fail to see the citizens, you only thought about the way you can dynamics behind this country – it is all very come into power, you only thought about ways to personal and based on individuals. get your own resorts running without you guys [Maldivians] have a very deep understanding paying taxes and stuff. of this – the actors involved. The international community does not. So the international com- Maldivians, this country belongs to you and me as munity is taking much at face value, and they are much as she belongs to those elites. We all were measuring what they see against the standards born here, we all got ourselves evolved here, our they hold. kids and the kids of our kids would be getting These are not our standards – what I’ve seen in evolved in this country!! Do you want our fate, the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is far be- the fate of our country to be decided by Buruma low the standards of what you would expect from Gasim, Champa, Waheedheen and them??!! ordinary people in any democracy. An ordinary Gasim is there while every regime falls, and he person would not act like the duty bearers here is there when every regime begins as well. All he have done. It is absolutely unbelievable. does is, take the advantage of the vulnerability JJ: You have often spoken about a ‘silent coup’ of the country, only because he has money to – a collusion between the judiciary, the JSC and invest. These motherfuckers keep on feeding on opposition-aligned members of parliament to pre- us..!! Now you guys have over thrown the only serve the pliability of the judiciary as it was under Government who tried fixing all that, who tried former Justice Ministry and President Maumoon to take away that kinda power from those little Abdul Gayoom. What do you mean when you individuals. No ONE INDIVIDUAL should have said ‘the silent coup has become the armed coup’? a power like that over the people..!!No No man..!! AV: The heart of the silent coup was the Crimi- I know most of you guys like following..but not nal Court. The former regime wanted to maintain like this lah..!! PLEASE PEOPLE..!! Ask for your their influence on the criminal court. rights..!! Fight for your rights..!! The country You can see that a number of powerful and belongs to you...!!! You have the right to choose influential politicians and businessmen – and your figure head..to choose your president..!! I businessmen who are politicians – have cases really dunno how you guys are allowing only few pending against them. This gives reason as to why people to decide on stuff like that..!! Fuck man..!! they would want to keep a hold on the criminal At times like this, i wish Mai was here for me to court. talk about these things...i just know that the hip- Chief Judge of the Criminal Court Abdulla pie would have the best perspectives that i would Mohamed was the man facilitating them to carry want from anyone..Cheers beautiful people..I hope on with that, giving cover to the very serious everything turns out well for all the Maldivians, corruption that has been continuing for a number for all of the mankind..!!! of years in this country. This is highly entrenched corruption – state corruption. http://humanbein.blogspot.com/2012/02/ When Abdulla Mohamed went missing – as rally-rich-mans-game.html. they say – I believe the opposition feared they were losing control over the judiciary, and that is why they came out on the streets. If you look at the so called public protests, it was opposition leaders and gang members. We did not see the so-called public joining them – they were a public nuisance really. For nearly three weeks they were going around

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 29 destroying public property and creating distur- AV: Article 285 is not tied to any law. It is to to work in a number of government departments bances. It wasn’t a people thing – we can say prevent politicisation of the judiciary. The JSC and ministries, and to get to know quite a lot of that. We locals – we know who was there on the is supposed to be working independently as an powerful players in the opposition today. I know streets. There is footage and evidence available of institution, and although it includes people from how they operate – their modus operandi. I know it. We’ve seen the destruction they were causing various parties – MPs and the Attorney General – how they function. in Male’ every day. each of us had a conduct of conduct under which My mistake was to trust. I trusted members of To the international community it’s a crowd we were supposed to be impartial. But that’s not the JSC to uphold the constitution. I trusted the of people – and to them that’s the public. It’s a how the JSC was functioning. Speaker to uphold the constitution. And where public protest to them. But it was not. Everyone assumes because I was appointed I saw they were acting against the constitution I Then we need to consider who was involved by the President that I was colluding with the found it really hard to comprehend. It was hap- in the free Abdulla Mohamed campaign. These President. But if anyone bothered to look at the pening every day. But I couldn’t believe it until are the same people I have previously accused evidence – the recordings of the meetings – they the last moment. of covering up and being conspirators in the would find the reality is different. JJ: Where to from here? What do you think silent coup. Amongst them was Independent MP JJ: This evidence you have – are people just not happens now? Mohamed Nasheed – currently the chair of the bothering to look at it, or are they unable to do so AV: Article 285 is going to be buried in history. parliamentary oversight committee on indepen- because of the language barrier? I do not think we have the willingness or capacity dent commissions – who has a duty to investigate AV: Nobody has looked at the evidence. It has in any of the state institutions to fully investigate the JSC. all been based on weight – nine to one. Woman to exactly what happened in the JSC. On 6 February 2012, I finally got in writing nine men. I feel very insulted. But what happened in the JSC must be haunt- from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) JJ: Some of the visiting media expressed an ing some of its members, if, months after I was their response to my complaints about the JSC in interest in the situation with the judge and the stabbed, they are still discussing in a recorded May 2010. lead up to the judicial crisis which precipitated sitting about how to silence me. On 17 Janurary They said that the matter of Article 285 and the these events. But how can you explain that in a 2011, two weeks after I was stabbed, MP Dr JSC’s high treason was forwarded to Parliament two minute soundbite? Afrashim Ali said I was “dangerous”, and the high for further investigation on 9 September, 2010. AV: You can’t. It is too complex. All of this is court appointee was saying “We have to think Where is it? We haven’t heard anything of it. very complex and we can’t take anything at face about our future, our security. We have to silence So why was MP Nasheed not doing his duty and value. We need to access available documentation, her.” I have audios clips of that meeting on the investigating this? Why was he out on the street and we need people to access the other evidence 17th. I have the whole 1.5 hour recording – it’s campaigning to free Abdulla Mohamed when this available. But all the fact finding missions and there, you can hear it. A friend helped me do cuts question is before him and he needs to look into investigation teams are based on just talking to and I have circulated it on Facebook. I put it on it? Why was MP Abdul Raheem bragging on VTV people. YouTube (Part one, two, three). – immediately after the national security commit- If you just talk to people, the story you get They fear an investigation because if there is an tee meeting – that he had deliberately disrupted depends on who you talk to. The facts are the investigation, what I have said will be proven. All the meeting to prevent me from speaking? It’s a evidence. they are betting on is using their political weight huge cover up. People have asked me why I did not take it up to prevent an investigation. JJ: Why do you think the international com- with groups like HRCM. There is no place I have JJ: You are making copies of the evidence? munity is unaware of this? not taken it to – and I could not access the inter- AV: When Nasheed resigned I put everything AV: The international community is not fluent national community when I did not even have an away – I have nothing in my home any more. in the Dhivehi language. And all of the evidence I office. I was under oath as a JSC member, but the These are probably the only copies we have now. have – on tape – is in Dhivehi. I cannot get them commission put me out on the street to work. I Considering that the JSC actually tampered to listen to that. All they hear is me talking, and was working like an activist – and alone. with and edited the audio recordings when they as you know, nobody else has dared to come out JJ: On the bright side many people must be submitted them to parliament in 2010, they have publicly and take this up. feeling they should have listened to you a long shown they will destroy the evidence. JJ: Where does this place you now? Consider- time ago? I have copies of audio tapes of proceedings in ing you have all this evidence you must have AV: Yes. But it seems we missed the chance to the JSC during Article 285 – and after. As well as some concern for your safety? fix it – to fix Article 285. from when their focus was on covering it up. AV: All I have is with the police, the Maldives Now it’s politics that will solve this. In 1957 JJ: It is interesting that they continued to re- National Defence Force (MNDF), the ACC, and we had a constitution for seven months. Now we cord the meetings, given all the other procedures with parliament. So I don’t know. They could have had one for three years and failed again. not followed. easily destroy it. It’s not being shared with the We have to do what we failed to do and focus AV: They were not recording meetings when parliament. I have asked MPs in the independent on strengthening judiciary. But when a serious I initially joined the commission. They were work- commissions committee if they are aware of this national security issue being examined in parlia- ing completely unconstitutionally. letter from the ACC – they are not. Since 2010 mentary committee is disrupted and it ceases to The JSC refused technical assistance from the we have been working with the judiciary whose continue with investigation, what does it say? International Committee of Jurists (ICJ) and oth- legitimacy is actually in question. The Maldivian Democratic Party needs to focus ers. Instead they were themselves talking about The issue was not taken up by anybody. The on 285. They need to start talking constitution, strengthening the judiciary. What judiciary was issue of Article 285 and JSC’s high treason was about how they got into this. They need to back there to strengthen when it was unconstitution- taken up by myself, as a sitting member under me – I submitted these cases and President Na- ally appointed? It’s actually the people who oath, and I think that should be enough reason sheed was still waiting for a response. You can’t have lost, not President Nasheed or the so-called for them to investigate. But the only response I run a state without a judiciary – and the judiciary President Waheed. The people have lost. get from people is: “There were 10 people in there. is still under the control of the former regime JJ: What do you make of Dr Waheed? Given his Why just you?” JJ: Even if early elections are called, that would UN background and benign demeanour, he seems In a conspiracy where a majority of the people not help the judicary? an unlikely leader of a coup d’état. join together to commit a crime, why would they AV: There is no judiciary as guaranteed to the AV: He might have thought it was a power come out and speak about it? High treason was people under this constitution. grab and that he was the man who was going committed in the JSC with the confidence that JJ: What do you make of the new Attorney to lead this. But he may be realising that he too there would be no investigation. General, Azima Shukoor? is being played, is a tool of the opposition – of I believe the Speaker sitting there has been the AV: I know her from primary school. We were Gayoom’s family. I think he found out too late. cover for the JSC to cater to their old masters. in the same class until grade 10. I know her quite He’s either an idiot or a tyrant. Right now it looks They are very confident that the silent coup will well – and I also know what she’s been doing in like both. remain uninvestigated. recent years. Let’s say President Nasheed did resign under JJ: On paper, the reappointment of the judges I also know Gayoom’s government because I duress. Is it the man who resigns, or is it the in 2010 occurred before parliament had passed the worked in that government for 19 years and six government who resigns? If it is the government, requisite legislation determining the educational, months. I know all of the individual players in then Dr Waheed should be walking out with the moral and ethical criteria for a judge? Does that this game, very, very well. President. Then it is the Speaker who takes over not undermine the legitimacy of all verdicts is- Gayoom had this practice of moving around for the interim period. sued after that period? people he found difficult, so I had the opportunity This national unity government should be

30 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion formed with the Speaker leading it. You can’t carry on high level corruption, where they cannot everyone knew it was autocracy, and that all the have a politician from a party that does not have a control the judiciary or the independent commis- powers of the state were constitutionally given to single seat in parliament or in a Council, heading sions – and the media. That they fear. one man. Today it is taken at face value that there a national unity government. A lot of the younger politicians who have are separation of powers. If he would step aside and permit the Speaker played different roles in covering this up I don’t I have policemen bragging on my Facebook to form a national unity government, that would think are aware of the depth and dirtiness of this page: “We brought down this government. Next have more credibility. That would also bring this coup. It sounds like a conspiracy novel – but it is time we see you in a rally we are going to kill whole situation back into alignment with the reality. And people are finding it hard to believe you.” constitution. becasue of that. Policemen on Facebook. They don’t seem to Right now we seem to be in a gap. We have a JJ: To what extent is this about people power? mind doing it publicly. Before they might have man who was put there by the police and military What happens if police or the army are given an been more subtle – now there seems to be no to lead a national unity government. We haven’t order they don’t want to comply with? order at all. seen the public supporters – the so-called people AV: I don’t think Waheed is controlling them. JJ: While the new government is seeking to behind him – anywhere. So what national unity We’re seeing [Defence Minister Mohamed] Nazim establish its legitimacy – and the resorts are los- government are we talking of here? Just because – Nazim is from the National Security Service ing money – do you think there is risk of further the cabinet seats a shared across a number of par- (NSS) of before [under Gayoom]. The police and crackdowns? ties, is it a national unity government? No. the military were separated in 2005. Nazim is pre- AV: There is no public support for government. I think it is time the Speaker took charge and 2005. Nazim probably controls the police though And the international community wants to legiti- led a national unity government, and organised [Police Commissioner] Abdulla Riyaz, while he mise it. I would like to see Dr Waheed hold a rally, elections, and let the people speak again. Just controls the MNDF. Jameel’s role, as Home Minis- with his 12 parties. Let’s count numbers. because the international community is upset ter, is the judiciary. He is the former justice min- with Nasheed’s behaviour, doesn’t mean that they ister. He knows individually all the sitting judges http://minivannews.com/politics/qa- should legitimise a government that the people do – he wrote the handouts they learned from. silent-coup-has-become-the-armed-coup- not support. JJ: Do you think people played politics too aishath-velezinee-32359 We are talking about the government of the long with the judiciary – including the MDP Maldives. And that government should be one side? People are asking why, if this was the issue, that the people of the Maldives want and trust. Nasheed did not act earlier? JJ: There is a lot of public baiting of police of- AV: He would know. For one thing I think it Ashween Mohamed ficers at the moment. How helpful is this? was very difficult for him when his own Attorney AV: Waheed’s first public statement was to General [Husnu Suood] was not taking up the Dr.Waheed praise the police mutineers. How could he? matter. Suood was sitting in the JSC with me. But What happened on February 8 – that peaceful it was only me and Sheikh Shuaib Rahman – the is Mau- walk – that was absolutely uncalled for. And member appointed from among the general public we haven’t seen anybody talking about it. Not – who went to the ACC. moon??!! Waheed, nobody. Why was that? What was the The Attorney General removed himself from reason for such a violent and brutal attack by the the JSC at the time. I think he realised the politics February 20, 2012 police? Why were they picking on certain people? of it, and took the safe road. Why did they chase me saying they would kill I put myself in danger, taking this up, knowing I really try avoid watching TV, specially the news, me? Why? quite well the politics behind this. But I didn’t feel rather would like to hear it from normal people.. JJ: The police chased you? I had a choice. I was required as an office bearer people without personal agendas...But i really had AV: The police, yes. Why did they spray me at under oath to work in the interest of the people to check on the new government and its cabinet. close range? and the constitution. And my interest in bringing As these are the self proclaimed agents repre- JJ: They pepper sprayed you? it out to the public was to give them a chance to senting us, The MALDIVIANS..!! And it really is AV: My eyes – I could not open them – it took get their judiciary. FUCKING funny..!!haha..ya.. The whole cabinet, me 24 hours to clean myself of it. There was a JJ: Will things get worse when the internation- all of the senior management team of this newly police commander – I was walking in the middle al media and the diplomatic community move on? self appointed government is teamed up with the of the crowd. When they chased us I ran with the AV: Everyone is going about their daily busi- people who has or are still working for Maumoon people. There was this lane – I went in and I think ness and to the outside world it looks normal. But himself. Even his own daughter is a minister. Fuck President Nasheed was there. I pulled him by the the moment they leave, I believe we are in danger. man..!! Not AGAIN..!!When Mai and I used to talk shirt, then I ran in front and his men came and It is scary – the hatred. These men – the men about intelligent people, i always tell her that, one surrounded him. I passed the shop where he had in action on the 8th – it was their emotions that of the most intelligent people I know is Maumoon, gone in for cover. Then I came face to face with came out. This was something they carry inside. and she tells me that, Ya she believes so too, but the police. There was a commander – he screamed The hatred. What I fear is that it seems like the the difference is intelligence can be used for both out: “That’s the bitch, kill her!”. police, since their mutiny, can act with impunity. good and evil. And this old man is one person Someone stepped in front of me and pepper Individual police officers can take up their own who uses it for his own well being. For his own sprayed me. I grabbed someone running away and greviances against individuals with impunity. family’s well being. Never gave a thought about said “I’m blinded, they’re going to kill me. Take JJ: Do you think the military is in a similar anyone else if he has no use with the individual. me, take me.” situation? He is still that EVIL person who has ruled and Somebody helped me across the street and took AV: No, I think the military have largely man- controlled us for 30 fucking years..!! I don’t have me to a safe place. aged to keep themselves outside the politics. But to remind you guys about everything he has done JJ: Are you concerned for your safety now? the leadership of today – which we see has not right??!!Who would even think that he has got AV: I’m very scared. You have seen their whole gone according to rank – is politicised, and part of this all planned out. We all thought he was just approach to my allegations. To deny it – not by the conspiracy. too old now to fight back, to come back and try arguing over the substance, but by slandering me, JJ: Have you considered moving somewhere and control us again..!! But it seems that he never and ignoring it. They either slander or ignore. safer? really gave up, and he has spread his arms around I’m afraid that considering their approach, they AV: I don’t see a real solution to this. I think Maldives again..!! Wake up people..!! Don’t be a are not going to make a big deal of taking me to I owe it to people to write this down. I should product of that 30 years of experience..!! Lets get court and trying me. They will find other ways of seriously sit down and write. But it is too heavy at evolved, evolved in a better way for a better and silencing me. It was scary. the moment; being amongst events here and the a happier future...!!I know i sound like a MDP This is not about Nasheed or Waheed. It is people, fearing for my own safety, I cannot com- supporter or something, but NO..!! I aren’t affili- about the constitution. I really wish the interna- fortably sit down. But I need to write the story of ated with any political parties. But i cannot and tional community would see beyond the obvious. the silent coup – of how the constitution has been i refuse to accept the way President Nasheed’s What the opposition is afraid of is separation of killed without changing a single letter. They have government was overthrown. People, if we let powers, and the institutuion of a democracy. It is managed to commit high treason under the cover this go by, history will repeat itself. And this is not Nasheed – Nasheed they can defeat in an elec- of the constitution. not the way civilized humans do stuff..!! There are tion, if they have the people power. But they are Today we are in a far more dangerous situa- procedures and regulations made, follow them..!! afraid of a democratic system where they cannot tion than we were pre-constitution 2008. Then No Individual can be above the law..!! Fight for

www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion 31 your rights..!! Fight for your vote..!! time you’ve fucked us all man, and really bad. I know every man has a price tag, how much was http://humanbein.blogspot.com/2012/02/ yours..??!! drwaheed-is-maumoon.html. This has nothing to do with Anni or Maumoon no more. This situation and the way we deal with this situation would decide the fate of all the Ashween Mohamed Maldivians. It’s gonna prove us whether we are free, we’ve got the freedom we always wanted or we are still been pranked..!! Pranked by the The Rally - Maldivian ELITES..!! It would prove us whether we are worthless motherfuckers who doesn’t give Conspiracy a damn about how our future is gonna be shaped and how our kids gonna get evolved or whether Theory.. we are civilized people who would do anything for OUR RIGHTS..!! OUR RIGHT FOR FREE- February 22, 2012 DOM..!! FREEDOM PEOPLE..!! The only solution i could come up with was erasing one of the main I’ve been attending these rallies hosted by MDP, peeps from the picture. Yap, if we can get Yameen as I really do believe that we cannot and we out of the Picture, we might be able to fix things shouldn’t let only few people decide the fate of for all of the Maldivians still, without the POWER all The Maldivians. I really do believe that if we vested in “YOU”, in “US”, been diverted , projected listen to Thasmeen and not have an election, and practiced on just ONE Family..!! http:// not get our rights back, the history is gonna or would be better if i say, will REPEAT itself for humanbein.blogspot.com/2012/02/rally- sure. I wouldn’t want a CONSTITUTIONALLY conspiracy-theory.html ELECTED GOVERNMENT to be overthrown every time one of the Maldivian businessman gets unhappy with the way things are going!! No, No. www.mvdemocracy.com That would be really unfair on the PEOPLE..!!! LOVE THE PEOPLE..!! The POWER is VESTED in If you wish to contribute any materials such as the PEOPLE.!! links to your articles, blog posts / comment pieces, photos or videos please email them to contact@ I was sitting and listening to the people talking, mvdemocracy.com and was creating all these possibilities in my Photos by: @sharaff, @dyingregime, @Badrud- mind. I really didn’t even see a reason for the deen, @Arfenom, @daftlol, @reallynattu, MDP officials to try and prove that this is some- Mauroof Khaleel, Ibrahim Asneem, AP/Ishara S. thing that is planned and executed. I think it only Kodikara and other contributors. insults our intelligence. As everything that went on, everything that happened in few hours time on that specific day, the day of resignation. shows how much time, planning and money has been put into executing the plan they’ve got.

I felt like i was seeing it through Maumoon’s eyes. I saw Maumoon and the gang sitting down and making the lists of people they need to keep in touch to execute something big like that. I saw em categorizing the people into groups and appointing group leaders. And then meeting up with certain people from each group in a special order, which is also a calculated and well executed thing, otherwise a plan like that cannot work just like that. I saw them asking the team leaders, the support teams to make sure that they keep on continuing the protests until the police get all tired out, while making sure that they turn against each other.

I think, one of the main people who got heavily paid this time was the former Assistant Com- missioner of Police Abdulla Riyaz. Who was also the commander commanding the police that day, while he is someone who doesn’t have anything to do with Nasheed’s government. He was actual- ly a “nobody” until that specific day. But that day, he was the commander, he was the special adviser to the president and he was the delivery boy who delivered the letter of resignation to the president of the Parliament as well. hmm.. Was that express service for the Maldivians??!! Abdulla Riyaz was just too eager to bring peace and Harmony for the Maldivians??!! Thank you??!!.. NO, FUCK YOU..!!

You gave us something we never wanted, you gave us something we never voted for, you de- stroyed something we all worked so hard to create by saving ourselves from 30 years of tyranny. This

32 www.mvdemocracy.com real time view of the ongoing events originating from the moment of extortion