Maldives Culture compiled in one timeline Mohamed Nasheed's activites since his return in the Maldives in preparation of the forthcoming trial.
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Mohamed Nasheed awaiting sentence
Friday, 12th August, Mohamed Nasheed, Chairman of
the MaldivianDemocratic Party(MDP), began a peaceful vigil in the central square of the capital Male’ in remembrance of the crackdown on peaceful demonstrators a year before, known locally as Black Friday. He was dragged away by dozens of heavily armed riot police. Demonstrations calling for his release and the resignation of President Gayoom followed.
The government initially said Mohamed Nasheed was being detained for his own safety
Four days of civil unrest have been plagued by excessive force and brutal beatings of the 200 pro-democracy activists who have been detained including other leading members of the MDP. The Government has also resorted to using water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets against peaceful protestors.
Arbitrary arrests are continuing. To date 138 people have been arrested. For up to date information regarding the prisoners please check the Maldivian Detainee Network. The National Security Service (NSS – the Maldivian police force) have been raiding homes in groups of 10-15 officers at night wearing masks and riot equipment.
The charges for which suspects are detained is not made clear and the families are given very little information. Increasing reports of attacks against MDP members and their property by roaming pro-regime mobs have been confirmed.
The Government’s justifications for their brutal tactics are based on false accusations of weapon harbouring and violent intent of MDP members. These accusations are being made on government controlled national media against the MDP.
Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed has been charged with Terrorism offences.
Mohamed Nasheeds increasing popularity since his return from exile four months ago has deeply upset the regime and they will do whatever they can to keep Nasheed out of the political process.
The first hearing of his trial took place Sunday the 28th of August. Mohamed Nasheed was only informed a few hours before his appearance to court and consequently was unable to prepare his defense. However the hearing was made in the presence of a trial observer, Faisz Mustapha, from the International Commission of Jurist.
A delegation of British barristers led by Sir Ivan Lawrence QC flew to Maldives early in October 2005 to assess the Maldives judicial system and the terrorism charges pending on both Mohamed Nasheed and Jennifer Latheef. Please read FOM press release for more information: Sir Ivan Lawrence QC delegation finds five key flaws in the Maldives Justice system
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