(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN has protested the decision to charge opposition politician and writer Mohamed Nasheed with terrorism and sedition for “inciting violence against the president” in a speech he made in July. Nasheed was among several members of a newly established opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), arrested on 12 […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN has protested the decision to charge opposition politician and writer Mohamed Nasheed with terrorism and sedition for “inciting violence against the president” in a speech he made in July. Nasheed was among several members of a newly established opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), arrested on 12 August 2005 during a peaceful protest in Malé.
Nasheed was reportedly charged on 23 August with “terrorism” and “sedition”. International PEN considers the charges to be without foundation and brought to curb Nasheed’s legitimate political activities. PEN demands Nasheed’s immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights. PEN seeks immediate assurances that he is being treated humanely in detention and granted access to any necessary medical care.
For further information, see the following BBC News report:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/4177840.stm
