(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has appealed for clemency as a court in the Maldives prepares to hand down its verdict and sentences in the trial of journalist Jennifer Latheef and five other defendants on “terrorism” charges. Jail terms would be a clear sign that President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is breaking his promises about democracy, the organisation […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has appealed for clemency as a court in the Maldives prepares to hand down its verdict and sentences in the trial of journalist Jennifer Latheef and five other defendants on “terrorism” charges. Jail terms would be a clear sign that President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is breaking his promises about democracy, the organisation said.
“No one is taken in by the resumption of terrorism trials against journalists and human rights activists,” RSF said. “The Maldivian authorities are trying to use the international fight against terrorism as a cover to crack down on a peaceful, democratic opposition as they did during the worst years of dictatorship.”
A young journalist and human rights activist, Latheef was due to appear before a criminal court in the capital, Malé, on 25 September 2005 on a charge of committing an “act of terrorism” by allegedly throwing stones at a policeman.
When rioting broke out in Malé in September 2003, Latheef went to the scene of the incidents and then to a hospital to get interviews. She was making documentaries about social issues at the time. She now writes for two independent publications, including the opposition daily “Minivan”.
The son of the exiled leader of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Latheef told RSF she had limited confidence in her country’s judicial system. She denied the charges against her, saying they were based solely on the testimonies of police officers.
Some 10 pro-opposition journalists are currently being prosecuted on charges of terrorism or breaking press laws.
Mohamed Nasheed, a prominent government opponent and frequent contributor to several publications and websites, has been charged with terrorism and sedition. The date of his trial is not yet known, but the United Kingdom-based organisation Friends of Maldives recently announced that four British lawyers will soon travel to the Maldives to follow the trial. Despite international protests, Nasheed is still facing a heavy prison sentence (see IFEX alerts of 8 September, 18 and 17 August 2005).
At least three other journalists have been arrested in the crackdown that followed Nasheed’s arrest on 12 August. One of them is photographer Imran Zahir, whose pictures often appear in “Minivan”. Held since 4 September, Zahir was asked by police during interrogation if he had taken pictures of an MDP meeting.
Launched in July, “Minivan” had to discontinue normal production in August when its printer pulled out under pressure from the authorities. It is currently being produced in photocopied format.
Judicial proceedings are under way against its editor, Aminath Najeeb, and five of its journalists, who have been summoned several times for questioning by the police. The Information Ministry sent six “Minivan” articles to the Office of the Public Prosecutor in mid-September with a request to start proceedings.
