(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN is deeply shocked by the heavy sentences handed down to Internet writers Mohamed Zaki, Ibrahim Moosa Luthfee, Ahmed Ibrahim Didi and Fathimath Nisreen. Businessmen Didi, Luthfee and Zaki, and Nisreen, personal secretary to Luthfee, were arrested between 30 January and 1 February 2002 for their alleged involvement with “Sandhaanu”, an Internet […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN is deeply shocked by the heavy sentences handed down to Internet writers Mohamed Zaki, Ibrahim Moosa Luthfee, Ahmed Ibrahim Didi and Fathimath Nisreen.
Businessmen Didi, Luthfee and Zaki, and Nisreen, personal secretary to Luthfee, were arrested between 30 January and 1 February 2002 for their alleged involvement with “Sandhaanu”, an Internet bulletin which, while being severely critical of the authorities, does not advocate violent political opposition. Didi, Luthfee, Nisreen and Zaki were taken to Malé Police Headquarters, where they were held in solitary confinement for two weeks. They were then transferred to a detention centre on the island of Dhonidhoo, where they were held until May.
On 29 May, the four were reportedly charged with “defamation”, under Section 163 of the Penal Code, and “committing acts hostile to the government”, under Section 29. A second hearing took place on 26 June. Throughout the proceedings they were reportedly denied access to a lawyer. After the hearing all four were detained on the island of Mafushi, where they were reportedly kept in solitary confinement in small cells. On 7 July, the three men were sentenced to life imprisonment, and Nisreen, aged 21, received a 10-year sentence. They have been informed that they do not have the right to appeal their case.
Zaki, Didi, Luthfee and Nisreen are detained in Mafushi prison, and although they are no longer held in solitary confinement, conditions are said to be harsh. Prisoners are kept in handcuffs at all times and access to healthcare is severely limited. The health of Didi, who has a heart problem, is therefore particularly at risk. It is not known whether he has received medical attention. Visits from relatives are only allowed once a month.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
-expressing concern that Zaki, Luthfee, Didi and Nisreen have been detained primarily for their criticism of the Maldivian authorities, in obstruction of their right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in the 1998 Constitution
– denouncing the severe sentences handed down to Zaki, Luthfee, Didi and Nisreen
– expressing concern over reports of their ill-treatment in prison, and urging the Maldivian authorities to ensure the humane treatment of Zaki, Luthfee, Didi and Nisreen in detention
– calling for their immediate and unconditional release
Appeals To
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
The President’s Palace
Maafannu Theemuge
Malé 2002
Republic of Maldives
Fax: +960 32 55 00
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
