Amnesty International reports on the arrests of Ahamed Shafeeq, a civil servant and writer, and Ali Moosa Didi, a writer and politician in the Maldives. There are serious concerns about their health. On 21 April 1995, about a dozen police officers raided Ahamad Shafeeq’s home and arrested both him and Ali Moosa Didi. Also seized […]
Amnesty International reports on the arrests of Ahamed Shafeeq, a
civil servant and writer, and Ali Moosa Didi, a writer and
politician in the Maldives. There are serious concerns about
their health.
On 21 April 1995, about a dozen police officers raided Ahamad
Shafeeq’s home and arrested both him and Ali Moosa Didi. Also
seized were Shafeeq’s personal diaries and other papers leading
to speculation that the arrests are in connection with his
writings.
On 30 April, Ali Moosa Didi and Ahamed Shafeeq, aged 67, were
given permission to leave the Maldives under police custody to
receive treatment in a hospital in Madras, India. However Shafeeq
was returned to the Maldives capital, Mal, on 10 May. In India,
Shafeeq had been diagnosed as suffering from post-traumatic
stress disorder and advised that he not be placed in situations
of anxiety. He also suffers from asthma and is said to have a
lung infection. Although he is said to have been allowed further
treatment for breathing difficulties since his return, he has
been denied visits from his family.
Ahamad Shafeeq is the editor of the historical journal “Vanavaru”
and is the author of a number of books on history, ornithology
and fiction. He had also contributed to “Sangu”, a magazine
banned in June 1990 following the arrests of a number of its
editors. It is thought that the seizure of Shafeeq’s diaries is
linked to comments made in them criticizing the cost of
constructing a new Presidential palace.
Ali Moosa Didi was an opposition candidate during the December
1994 parliamentary elections but failed to be elected. His open
criticism of government officials may be a reason for his arrest.
He is said to remain held under Maldive police custody in the
hospital in Madras.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Maldive authorities:
appear to be detained solely for the practice of their right to
freedom of expression
offenses or freed
ill-health and urging that this be taken into consideration when
reviewing their detention
Appeals To
President Maummon Abdul Gayoom
The President’s Office
Marine Drive (North)
Mal, Republic of Maldives
Fax: +960 32 55 00
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
