press release history

22nd September 2006

Opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed released from house arrest

Friends of Maldives (FOM) welcomes the release of Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Following the "informal" talks between the Government of Maldives and the MDP, hosted by the British High Commission and known as the Westminster House Agreement.

Mohamed Nasheed was arrested on the 12th of August 2005 after a peaceful vigil in remembrance of the crackdown on peaceful protestors in August 2004. He was initially arrested for "his own safety" and was later charged with terrorism and sedition. His on-going trial for a year showed up the flaws of the Maldivian judiciary and was heavily condemned by the international community.

With the release of Mohamed Nasheed and Jennifer Latheef, the Government has met the conditions for formal talks to take place between the Government of Maldives and the MDP.

FOM urges the Government of Maldives to:

•  Release the remaining political prisoners and journalists in detention

•  Clear Jennifer Latheef and Mohamed Nasheed of all charges held over them

•  Ensure constitutional changes are made within agreed timeframe

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Friends of Maldives

64 Milford Street
Salisbury
SP1 2BP
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)1722 504330
E: enquiries@friendsofmaldives.org
W: www.friendsofmaldives.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

Friends of Maldives – www.friendsofmaldives.org

Friends of Maldives (FOM) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights in the Maldives. Based in the UK and established in 2003. FOM focuses its activities on providing support and publicity to prisoners of conscience and good governance in the Maldives.