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Foreign financiers pulling plug on MDP
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male’, Maldives, 31st January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The MDP have started feeling the effects of low finances for the first time in its history according to sources within the party. The failure of the January 24th demonstration to overthrow the government, has caused foreign financiers to seriously doubt the capability of the MDP to deliver them the Maldives on a plate.

The strain is most keenly felt in their cell-support program with the party having to appeal to donors on an ad hoc basis to support inter-atoll party travel. Some activists the party brought in from Addu Atoll to for the 24th were recently revealed to be illegally using public buildings to spend the night because the party could not afford to provide accommodation.

The MDP has had a long history of dependance on foreign financiers, dating back five years when they existed as a clandestine band operating in the UK and in Sri Lanka. Contacts in the UK are said to be affiliated with evangelical groups such as the Joshua Campaign and Project 2000 which have stated a desperate desire to establish christianity in the Maldives.

Another disturbing reality the party now faces is the dwindling capacity it has to sustain its media mouthpieces such as the MiniVan Group which includes websites, a printed daily newspaper and a radio 'station'. All of these except the newspaper are based abroad and mostly employ foreign nationals.

The numbers of Maldivians involved have been further cut back due to the new financial limitations, resulting in a subsequent deterioration of material produced for output. Recent events have seen bungled reporting with further ill-advised attempts at covering up. For example, at a recent court hearing, the sitting judge ordered MDP Chairman Mohamed Nasheed to be held under house arrest until the end of his trial for terrorism.

The MiniVan Group were too hasty in producing a story, apparently by foreign nationals whose knowledge of the Maldives can at best be sketchy, which announced 'judge orders Annie to be locked up.' Upon realising its mistake, they tried a sly backtrack ('Judge's bizarre ruling confuses lawyers') which had observers smirking; was it really lawyers who were confused about statements made in a language they do not understand in a country they have never been to?

Recently the MDP has faced reversal after reversal as they have been publicly rejected by major power players such as India and Sri Lanka; another reason why foreign backers now appear reluctant. The MDP had reportedly promised the overthrow of the government to backers in the UK; in exchange for funds, they were promised a revised and relaxed tourism policy whereby foreigners could virtually buy islands from the MDP government.

To further compound matters, the MDP, having failed in all their efforts to even rattle the government, they find themselves accused of embezzling funds. Foreign parties, some of them at least, appear to be finally realising that the Maldivian government is hugely popular and secure and would take more than fabricated 'news' stories to overthrow.

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Ibra hijacks Special Majlis Administrative Committee meeting
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male’, Maldives, 31st January 2006 (olhuala.com) – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leader Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) gate crashed a meeting of the Special Majlis Administrative Committee as a gang of MDP activists gathered outside the Majilis Building to intimidate members of the committee, last night.

Ibra, who is not a member of the committee, and was attending as an observer, took the floor in defiance of procedural rules and the Chair’s protestations when deliberations started going against the MDP’s party line.

The rules clearly state that, while MPs may sit as observers at meetings of the elected committees, they may not partake in discussions and may not vote.

The committee has a slight MDP majority. Yet, Ibra felt the need to interrupt and contribute his wisdom. Ms Aneesa Ahmed, presiding, asked Mr Ismail several times to refrain from interrupting the session. The Chair was however intimidated into giving ground in direct contravention of written rules. Some of the MPs present felt the Chair was culpable by being too lax.

Ali Faiz (Special Majilis Member for Baa Atoll), a disgruntled MDP backbencher told olhuala.com: “I don’t think [Ibra's] blatant disregard for written procedure reflects well on the party [the MDP]. I believe this to be one of the root causes of our support dwindling so sharply. I also feel that Aneesaa and uncle [Faiz is the nephew of Speaker Ibrahim] should take a firmer stance in the future".

High-ranking MDP officials met earlier in the afternoon at the MDP's Gloryge Headquarters, to plan last night’s actions. By 8:30pm a group of twenty to thirty, vocal MDP activists had arrived on the scene. Group leaders were continuously on their mobile phones, urging more supporters to come to the scene – now a common sight at any MDP orchestrated ‘protest’ scene. The crowd went on to demand the expulsion of all cabinet members as well as all members selected by the President, from both the Parliament and the Special Majilis, although the Maldivian constitution clearly states that these members should be included in both houses.

“I don’t know what the MDP is playing at. Do they think any individual or political party is above the constitution of the Maldives? The present constitution was not written by President Maumoon [Abdul Gayoom], or any individual. It was put together by a constitutional assembly. So I don’t know what the fuss is about. President is compelled by the constitution to appoint these members to the two chambers, the MDP should know this. They are just trying to delay the reform process by playing on non issues” Yoosuf Thamfeez a Male’ resident who had arrived on the scene told olhuala.com.

Two MDP Special Majlis Members had proposed to include a bill demanding the exclusion of the so-called "president's members" from the constitutional assembly citing 'extraordinary circumstances.' However, this has been defeated because of a petition, signed by 61 Special MPs, which argued that no 'extraordinary circumstances' existed that validated the hearing of such a bill. The present constitution, the petition said, has not been shown to be deficient and therefore there was no reason it should not be adhered to.

By 10.30pm the crowd at the eastern gate used by MPs had swelled to about a hundred, and MDP 'observers' who had attended the meeting including Ibra, waited in the compund of the Majlis Building under the umbrella. As DRP MPs came and went they were verbally abused. It was notable that the crowd included notorious figures such as Jazeel who is the personal 'minder' of Fareed, the MDP's resident religious extremist. Others included people with multiple convictions for drug abuse and petty thievery.

The crowd finally cleared at 10.50pm when the MDP members who also included Mariya Ahmed Didi, Mohamed Shihab, Jesus Afeef, Kaanal Nasheed and Ahmed Shafeeq, decided to leave the premises although the meeting was still in progress. Observers noted that the vociferous crowd left with various MDP members, deep in consultation.

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News Flash

Gang trying to intimidate Majlis Committee
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 30th January 2006, 10.00pm (olhuala.com) – A group of 20-30 hardcore MDP activists have descended upon the Majlis (Parliament) Building.

The Special Majlis Administrative Committee had a meeting scheduled for 8.30pm this evening. It is believed that the MDP's intent is to intimidate the members of this Committee. The assembled band are reported to be making frantic phone calls in an attempt to increase numbers.

MDP MPs with no official engagements at the Majlis Building at this time of the evening are also loitering in the compound. Among these are MDP leader Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra).

MDP employs underage students in Sri Lanka
Ismail Rifau

Male’, Maldives, 30th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – Maldivian Democratic Party activists handed in a ‘petition’ to the Maldivian High Commission in Sri Lanka on the 24th of January. It was reported that ‘the petition was signed by numerous Maldivians resident in Colombo’, and that this petition is a clear sign that the party’s call for nationwide protests were welcomed by Maldivians all over the world.

To the contrary the MDP’s efforts to stage another ‘spontaneous’ demonstration as was choreographed in August 2004 ended in abject failure on the 24th as less than 1,200 people in the whole country heeded the MDP's call for a mass act. “While the black Friday [MDP’s violent demonstration on August 12/13th 2004] demonstrations ended in violence and destruction [Police constable Mazig was stabbed by MDP activist ‘Paidey’ and government buildings were set ablaze by MDP activists] the 24th January event ended in humiliation for the MDP. They [the MDP] have found out once and for all that there is no support for their violent and militant tactics in the Maldives” says Ahmed Nihaan, Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Executive Committee member.

Sources inform olhuala.com that the MDP’s planned actions in Colombo and London were called off by former MDP spokesperson Mohamed Latheef (Gogo). It is widely believed among MDP hardliners in Male’ that, Latheef; a failed businessman in self-enforced exile in Colombo; personally called the planned events in Colombo and London due to unprecedented leaks to the press.

One of our sources close to Gogo Latheef told olhuala.com “ He [Latheef] was livid when the plans were published on a number of internet news websites. He accused Juha [Mohamed Zuhair] and IC [Ibrahim Rasheed, who were in charge of the operation] for the leaks. Latheef decided to call off the demonstrations, but decided to get Maldivians to sign a petition embracing the MDP’s protests, in order to save the MDP’s ‘political face’”.

A number of MDP funded clandestine websites published quotes from ‘Maldivian residents’ in Colombo reiterating the MDP’s calls for the resignation of key government officials. Investigations have revealed that these ‘residents’ were in fact Maldivian students who were paid $100 (one hundred United States Dollars) each in return for signing the MDP’s petition.

One such website wrote“It proved to be unfounded "as the MDP is a responsible and politically mature party", Labeeb Moosa, 22, a Maldivian student who presented the petition to the Maldives High Commission in Sri Lanka said. "I heard they brought Indian armored-cars”.

Labeeb Moosa who is actually 19 years of age (D.O.B 14th August 1986) told olhuala.com “Juha paid me to sign the petition. But I never gave an interview to anyone. This is the first time that I am being interviewed”.

It is unclear whether the Sri Lankan authorities will reprimand Moosa for his political activity, although Sri Lankan laws frown upon political involvement by student VISA holders.

Mohamed Zuhair (Juha) was unavailable for comment on this matter.

This is not the first time the MDP has involved underage students (individuals under 21 are not eligible for involvement in political parties under Maldivian law) in order to promote their political agenda. MDP officials in S. Hithadhoo used a group of primary school children in order to carry out one of the MDP’s political protests on the 22nd of this month. Further, although his calls fell on deaf ears, MDP leader Ibrahim Ismail, called on all members to bring children to the demonstration on the 24th of January.

Several analysts believe that the MDP’s use of underage children as political pawns has been one of the root causes that has seen support for the MDP plummet nationwide to an all time low.

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Chairman pleads to be sent to jail
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male’, Maldives, 29th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – Maldivian Democratic Party Chairman Mohamed Nasheed (Annie) has protested that he prefers to spend the duration of his trial in jail rather than under house arrest. Annie was in court today for the hearing on extension of his detention. He is on trial for two counts of sedition and terrorism regarding his involvement in the violent unrest of August 2005.

The image of himself Annie wants to portray is one of a 'victimised martyr for the cause of freedom'. However, spending the length of his trial at his plush multi-story home is seriously undermining this image both locally and abroad.

A pattern of activity can be identified both before and after August 12th 2005 where Annie has tried to entice the authorities to take him into custody. These include disturbing public peace on the street and inside public offices and the Police Headquarters.

After his arrest, each of his court appearances has been characterised by antics which have included swearing at and mocking the judge. Perhaps driven by the knowledge that the weight of evidence against him makes a valid defence near impossible, he has resorted to attempting to bring the legality of the court into question. At the latest session of his trial last Wednesday, the judge could easily have held Annie in contempt of his court, such was his shouting and speaking out of turn.

All this points to a falling facade of 'hero of the people'. By demanding to be sent to Dhoonidhoo Remand Centre, he betrayed the anxiety he feels as he is becoming increasingly marginalised. International observers have taken the fact that he is only under house arrest as a definite sign of the government's sincerity about political reform and the government's goodwill towards the MDP.

As a result, the MDP's refusal to accept President Gayoom's invitation over two months ago, for all party talks, is seen by observers as evidence of the MDP's intransigence and stubbornness. Much of the blame for stalling the talks now lies squarely at the MDP's feet.

The failed demonstration of January 24th has left the MDP with little option but to claim legitimacy by wheedling credit in international eyes as the party has lost face with the Maldivian public. In this respect, the party leadership has redoubled its efforts by increasing contact with foreign embassies and diplomats.

However, the MDP's approaches have been summarily rejected by most including the embassies of the SAARC countries, some going so far as to brand the MDP 'a bunch of liars.' Even more pointedly, international organisations such as Amnesty International and PEN have distanced themselves from Annie since his transfer to house arrest.

It is therefore obvious that Annie would prefer to be under supervised detention rather than be seen living it up in the comfort of home - all the lavish extravagance the money of a millionaire father-in-law can buy - a far cry from the life of the common Maldivian for whose rights he is supposed to be 'suffering.'

Known universally as a militant activist with no respect for democratic processes and little political skill or nous, the MDP's current shadow cabinet would also like to see him out of the scene.

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News Flash

Annie's House Arrest Extended
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 29th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The judge presiding over Mohamed Nasheed’s (Annie) trial has extended Nasheed’s house arrest until the end of the trial. Nasheed tried to rattle the judge by shouting abuse at him, and stated that he preferred jail.

Sources within the MDP inform olhuala.com that the MDP might ‘retaliate’ to the court’s decision by calling on its members to come out on the streets in protest.

Maldives honours her real Friends
Editorial Comment, Hussain Umar

(olhuala.com) – A founder member of the real Friends of Maldives, Ms Toni de la Roque, has been recognised for her tireless work in promoting the Maldives in the tourism industry. For the past few years, she has had to fight against the illicit band run by David Hardingham who is illegally using the charity’s name in his equally tireless efforts to cause political turmoil in the Maldives and ruin the country’s economy.

Ms de la Roque, one of the foreign nationals honoured, on behalf of the Maldivian people for outstanding services to the Maldives, was presented with her Special Award on the 22nd January by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Ms de la Roque, better known as the “Maldive Lady” is a British national who has worked tirelessly over the years to promote the Maldives tourism industry in Europe and the UK.

The real Friends of Maldives is a UK based charity organisation formed to help the Maldivian people following the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004. The objectives of the charity are stated as

“1. The relief of poverty of people and communities who are suffering hardship as a result of drought, earthquake, flooding or any other disaster or who by reason of their Social and Economic conditions are in need of assistance, in particular those persons and communities adversely affected by the earthquake and tsunami disaster that occurred on 26 December; 2. The relief of sickness, hardship and distress, particularly by the development of Education, Health and other Social services, the improvement of transport infrastructure, Water supplies and the other communal facilities and the promotion of self-help activities amongst those people or communities”.

UK Charities Commission Website

This charitable organization is not to be confused with the illicit ‘Friends of Maldives’ which is the international wing of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Hardingham has opted to use the registered name illegally in order to promote the MDP’s propaganda campaigns such as the failed and infamous ‘boycott’ campaign, where Hardingham’s illegal band called on European tourists to boycott resorts in the Maldives.

A source close to Ms de la Roque who wished to remain anonymous told olhuala.com: “He [Hardingham] has been harassing Toni [de la Roque] ever since she registered the charity [the real FoM]. He [Hardingham] has left horrendous abuse on her answering machine on numerous occasions”. Hardingham is known for his hard hand militant tactics. Presidential security stopped Hardingham in Geneva and London, in 2005 when he attempted to physically attack President Gayoom.

“Dave [Hardingham] is a very persistent man. He will not stop at anything. He will achieve his goals by any means necessary Juha [Mohamed Zuhair] told me, recently in Lanka” Ibrahim Rasheed (also known as IC) told olhuala.com.

Analysts have repeatedly questioned ‘the real intentions’ of Hardingham’s shady organization, as they hide behind the registered name of Ms de la Roques’s charity and openly calls on tourists to boycott the Maldivian tourism industry while insisting that they are indeed ‘friends of Maldives’ in the same sentence.

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British High Commissioner stirs controversy

Aishath Zeena, Seenu Atoll Correspondent

Seenu Atoll, Maldives, 29th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The British High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mr. Stephen Evans risks facing accusations of meddling in the internal politics of the Maldives due to the nature of his itinerary on his current visit to the Maldives. He met government officials at the start of his visit, but has since then shunned all contact with the government or the DRP.

Mr. Evans, on a five-day visit, returned after a two-day trek to Addu atoll in the exclusive company of MDP officials. Although he did not attend the MDP's rally in S. Feydhoo on Friday, he was reported to be present at the venue with MDP leaders only a few minutes before the rally commenced.

Observers have stressed that Mr. Evans' behaviour is not endorsed by Her Majesty's Government who has continued to back the Maldives government and its reform agenda. Maldivians have historically been wary of British and other foreign involvement in local affairs. Most Maldivians also believe that the image of the Maldives presented to foreign observers by the MDP is a grossly distorted one, and therefore the British government maybe unaware of the actual political situation in the Maldives.

The MDP has frequently used different propaganda tactics for foreign and local consumption: the local version, presented in Dhivehi, calls for violent overthrow of the government while the foreign version pleads their case as 'the oppressed voice of the people.'

Appointed in 2002, Mr. Evans is already set to be relieved from his post within three months. His activities have been seen locally as an attempt by the MDP to try and regain some respectability. The MDP's popularity is at an all-time low according to observers; they are once again resorting to the tactic of getting foreign endorsement to gain legitimacy in local eyes.

Mr. Evans is in Maldives to mark the end of a Media Training Course sponsored by the British High Commission and run by the Ministry of Information, Arts and Culture with the assistance of the BBC World Service Trust. He was accompanied by only a 'Desk Officer (Trainee)' from the Foreign Ministry on his Addu visit.

Mr. Evans was dangerously close to breaking diplomatic protocol when he held meetings at the MDP offices in Hithadhoo and refused to consult DRP members. Although the British High Commission had reported that a meeting with Addu Atoll Chief was on his schedule, Mr. Evans reportedly cancelled this meeting at short notice.

He also visited Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo on Saturday where a group of DRP officials requested an appointment but were refused.

Among the MDP officials who accompanied Mr. Evans are vice President Ibrahim Zaki, Addu MP Mohamed Aslam, Special Majlis Member Husnu Suood and National Council Member Ali Shiyam. He had met with the Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed, Information Minister Mohamed Nasheed and Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed at the start of his visit to Maldives.

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Attorney General charges alleged January 24th perpetrators
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 27th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The Attorney General Dr Hassan Saeed has charged the alleged leaders of the MDP-organised assembly on January 24th, in a much-anticipated and welcomed move. The Maldivian Democratic Party had been notified of the illegality of the planned event, several times by the Registrar of Political Parties.

The charges of "illegal and unlawful assembly" were brought under Section 48 of the Penal Code. More persons are expected to be charged in the coming days according to sources in the Attorney General's Office.

The gathering had proved a disaster for the MDP as the expected thousands failed to materialise. Even in Male' where the biggest crowd was seen, less than 400 people bothered to come to the eastern artificial beach area: an area commonly used by children for recreation in the cramped capital. Many parents have been very vocal, demanding action to be taken against the ringleaders.

The MDP's failure was all the more worrying for party members as they had made many public statements inviting people to bring their kids and to come prepared for a lengthy stay. These have now proved to be an immense source of embarrassment.

Serious uncertainty now surrounds the future of the party. With leader Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) and other top officials expected to be implicated, and Chairman Mohamed Nasheed (Annie) fighting charges of sedition and terrorism, the party is bound to be rudderless in the very near future. Their leaders are being increasingly seen as working for their own benefit by the ordinary party members.

The vaccuum left by the party is likely to be filled quickly by other parties such as the Adhaalaath and Islamic Democratic Party. Although these parties currently lack any MPs, many MDP MPs are expected to switch allegiance in the near future.

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Tuesday's MDP assembly leaders to be charged
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 26th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The planners and leaders of the failed demonstration by a few members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) are to be charged with crimes relating to the event in the next few days. Sources within the Attorney General's office tell olhuala.com that the paperwork might be completed as early as today.

In the days leading up to the event, the public had been advised continuously, not to join in the activity. When the assembly got underway, many had believed the police would act to break it up. However police sources indicated to the public that their preferred policy was to pursue the matter in the courts.

Much speculation had surrounded the legality of the action as the MDP had insisted that they were acting under the freedoms of assembly granted under the Constitution. However, the governments stated legal position was the exact reverse: any political demonstration at an open public place were specifically prohibited by the Political Party Regulations. Mohamed Nasheed’s attorney Husnu Suoodh, gave his legal opinion on behalf of the MDP prior to the event stating that the MDP’s proposed gathering was legal. Observers were quick to point out the fact that Suoodh backed out from attending the event at the very last moment for ‘personal reasons’.

The freedoms granted under Article 26 of the Constitution specifically states that such freedom of assembly is subject to limitations provided under existing Laws. The MDP, in its own rules voted for by its members in December, vow to abide by the Political Party Regulations.

The debate had proved divisive even within the MDP as some members of the shadow cabinet had withdrawn their support for the event. Some like Mohamed Shihab had privately petitioned members to try and call off the event.

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olhuala.com exclusive
Ibra rowed with father before joining demonstration
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 26th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – MDP leader Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) had a violent row with his father Ismail Naseer as he tried to stop Ibra from joining the MDP's failed demonstration Tuesday. Neighbours report that loud shouting had emanated from Ibra's residence Ma. Boaganvilla, in the early hours of the 24th as well as in the afternoon.

Ibra reportedly told Mr. Naseer to "get out of the house", as his siblings watched aghast. Although Ibra is notorious for his swearing and frequent use of obscenities, this was a rare instance in which he used such language at his own father.

Younger brother Fayyaz Ismail told a neighbour interviewed by olhuala.com: "This was worse than anything he's done before and some of us were in tears. Our father is old and very frail now and Ibra should not have said the things he said".

"Because of his [physical] condition, Bappa [father] has always let Ibra have his way in any matter. Ibra has never actually grown to accept his condition [Childhood polio has left him severely disabled and unable to walk], and he has to continuously take anti-depressants to get by. We all give in to his whims and bear his frequent tantrums”.

It is common knowledge that Mr. Naseer does not approve of Ibra's political leanings and had frequently admonished Ibra for his errant ways. This came to a head, as since the formal declaration of the MDP's demonstration, which proved to be a devastating failure, Mr. Naseer had constantly asked Ibra to rethink or to withdraw his support.

Ibra had been under extreme pressure from Chairman Mohamed Nasheed (Annie) to forge ahead with the demonstration and to "try and get the masses to join in for a revolution". Annie is portrayed by most Maldivians as a militant and an anarchist. He had used imagery from the Ukraine's "Orange Revolution" in the lead up to Tuesday, but had catastrophically overestimated the support his party had.

Observers noted Ibra's subdued mood at the artificial beach on Tuesday but had put it down to disappointment and shock at the low turnout and had foreseen the embarrassment that was to come. It seems more likely that his mind was elsewhere.

Mr. Naseer is a long-serving public servant and was taken hostage in the 1988 terrorist attack mounted by Annie’s uncle Sikka Ahmed Ismail, the paymaster general of the MDP. Although Mr. Naseer has had a sketchy past with allegations of misappropriation on public funds, and drawing salaries and health benefits from the government while 'convalescing at home and abroad for 17 years', his sentiments have been against the MDP due to its subordination to Sikka.

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Nasheed’s trial: A quick opportunity to make amends
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 25th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The trial of Mohamed Nasheed (Annie) which begins this morning provides an early opportunity for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members to make their presence felt after yesterday’s farcical demonstration attempts.

Annie’s pre-trial hearings witnessed scenes of MDP activists attacking Police, with streets jammed and traffic blocked. Moreover, Annie himself uses the opportunity to play to the gallery – his antics, which include playing dead to induce police to act to prevent him falling to the floor – which provides photo opportunities.

Yesterday’s failed demonstration is thought to have been an attempt to save Annie from going to trial. Annie is said to be furious about ‘Ibra’s incompetence’ which Annie sees as the root cause of the failure.

Annie is facing trial for sedition and crimes against the Maldivian people. The charges arise from his activities of the 12th of August 2005 and the days leading up to it. The crimes he is accused of include incitement to violence, calling for the violent overthrow of the constitutionally elected government and other militant activities including providing assistance for making weapons.

The Attorney General is said to have built up a foolproof case with much unexpected evidence to be presented. The case has taken so long to come to trial because of the extra time the defence requested for, in order to review ‘new’ evidence. Most of that evidence, it is thought, constituted activities the client had withheld from his own defence team.

In an unexpected turn of events, Annie’s defence attorney Mr Muizz has been sacked immediately after Muizz provided his legal opinion stating the unlawfulness of the MDP’s planned protests in an interview with Haveeru daily.

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Maldives mystified by scale of MDP's defeat
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male’, Maldives, 25th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The Maldives is waking up today still looking for reasons why the Maldivian Democratic Party's call for 'nation-wide' protests was met with such a miserable reception. The MDP have made haphazard attempts at damage limitation, implying things went according to plan but most people felt that the MDP are now at a crossroads and that the onus is on them to denounce direct action once and for all.

By late last evening, the streets of Male' enjoyed a serenity not felt in years. Even the drug addicts and hardcore criminals seemed to be indoors doing some long overdue soul searching.

Various sections of society spent hours discussing Tuesday's events and the possible recriminations. In reality, things as they turned out were a big surprise to all: the MDP had expected thousands more; the government, also anticipating a far bigger crowd, had predicted things would be turned ugly by the MDP. Political analysts meanwhile were agog at the meekness with which the party leadership admitted defeat and abruptly called off the assembly.

Even the MDP's PR machinery was in disarray, producing conflicting messages. Official spokesman Hamid Abdul Ghafoor claimed in an interview to Reuters that "strong threats of violence by the government" forced the MDP's hand in abandoning the action.

This was in contrast to leader Ibrahim Ismail's (Ibra) and clandestine website Mini Van's position that 'what transpired was the prearranged scenario: the MDP proved that it can hold a peaceful gathering'. However, this left a lot of MDP members dissatisfied: "Why did we spend the last few days learning about how to spend several days outside, even in the rain and at night? Why were we told in the official statement that we should take bottled water and parcels of food?

"What do they think we [the ordinary members] are? Fools? Food to survive 90 minutes?" said a disgruntled member.

In a similar vein, the MDP's other clandestine website, DO, refused to provide updates to visitors as soon as Ibra announced the decision to abort. The reported crowd size in Male' dwindled from 10,000 to 8,000 to less than 5,000 at last update as these reports were made a mockery of by television pictures which showed less than 500.

Analysts were in cautiously optimistic mood. maldiveindependent.org articulated a wish most Maldivians dared not hope for: this signals the end of confrontational politics in this country. Public opinion is in agreement as most believe that the MDP has no mandate now to make demands of the government. Dialogue would be the best option, especially for the MDP if it desires inclusion in the political and social reform process.

The mood in the islands was more relaxed by late evening. Although nobody was naive enough to think all the troubles were over, MDP members everywhere were subjected to light-hearted banter. Ibra has reportedly received many calls 'congratulating him on his assumption of office as President of Maldives".

A joke doing the rounds identified the MDP's mistake as announcing the time of assembly as 'after Asr'. Apparently most of the hired parteys (local slang for drug addicts) had no idea when, or indeed what, Asr was.

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Government shows new maturity in dealing with 'petty annoyance'
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male’, Maldives, 24th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – Male’ Maldives 24th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The government's decision not to use forceful intervention to break up the MDP's illegal activities this afternoon signals a new maturity in the way it deals with actions of this type. The gathering was also dismissed as just a 'petty annoyance' by government sources.

Sources within the police confirm that the process of consolidating evidence has started and that charges will shortly be presented to the Attorney General's office with respect to alleged illegal activities today. The police mounted an extensive video, audio and photographic monitoring mission after several messages from government sources had stated the illegality of Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) proposed actions.

Earlier gatherings in 2004 and 2005, admittedly more violent than today's, had seen conservative elements within government get itchy feet and authorise forceful police intervention to disband perpetrators. Today's police actions show a more self-assured stance, with the police and government fully displaying its power by refraining from using force.

The new policy shows clear confidence in the judicial process by all quarters of the government. It is seen to be the most appropriate course of action also by the moderates within the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP).

A source within the police confirms: "Of course we were fully prepared for any eventuality. We were operating under the policy that we would not intervene unless the threat of injury to individuals became extreme.

"There was intimidation, and about a dozen onlookers were beaten up by MDP thugs. We had uncovered their weapons stash yesterday, so they had nothing to attack with. We kept an eye on some of their 'lunch boxes' [MDP members had been asked to bring along water and food for a long stay], but nobody opened them, so we still don't know what was in them".

"Although the current policy is to pursue the matter via the courts, we had the final say in taking decisions on the ground. We would not have let things get out of hand".

It is expected that the Registrar of Elections will take formal action within the coming few days. The MDP leadership will be asked to explain their positions with respect to the Regulations of Political Parties, the same Regulations the Party has agreed to abide by in its Constitution.

A Justice Ministry Official said: "The MDP membership passed its own constitution. It says that they undertake to abide by the Regulations. Their Constitution does not say that it rejects any clause in the Regulations. I think the MDP leadership has a lot to answer for, not least to its own membership".

Click to read full story

MDP Humiliated:

Damage limitation machinery into action
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male', Maldives 24th January 2006 (olhuala.com) - The MDP's spin doctors were called into action as the party's 'first public demonstration' was called off in abject failure. Less than 1,200 people in the whole country heeded the MDP's call for a mass action this afternoon. The largest gathering, in Male' artificial beach, featured no more than 900 participants at any one period.

The MDP had called on 'all Maldivians, big and small to gather' at locations suggested in each island by their island cell leaders. It is unclear how a party which claims over 30,000 members countrywide can live down a rejection on such a massive scale.

This outcome, possibly the 'political funeral of the party' predicted by Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed, definitely sees the other populist party, Adhaalaath, led by religious hardliners, replace the MDP as the main opposition party in the Maldives. It is widely accepted now that the Adhaalaath Party supports more members and respect within Maldivian society than the MDP ever did.

The MDP's spin machinery is now expected to kick into action to recover any scraps it can. Their websites have already reported that '10,000 people joined the protests', but these have been dismissed as pure fantasy by those who are watching the coverage on TV.

Other lines expected to materialise (although this may take some time) are: 'MDP shows it can demonstrate peacefully' and 'More demonstrations to follow'. However, it is impossible to reconcile the fact that MDP had called on all its members and supporters and their families to join in, with the turnout.

This afternoon, as supporters failed to turn up in vast numbers, the MDP leadership had a falling out with Chairman Mohamed Nasheed (Annie), the decision-maker of the party demanding more aggressive action while sitting isolated at home. Leader Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), at the scene of events, seeing the reality of things on the ground, dismissed any such suggestions.

Live coverage on TV, opposed by some as unwarranted coverage, was seen as the turning point: Annie himself could see the number of people on TV as well as the fact there was no possibility of distorted reporting: something the MDP have frequently been accused of doing in the past.

The MDP hardcore gangland support are reportedly plotting further action tonight to follow on from threatening and intimidatory activity last night when they reportedly threatened homes of reformist 'New Maldives' ministers and other leading officials of the DRP. It is unknown whether these activities are endorsed by the party leadership.

In any case, Male' residents remain on high alert as more trouble is expected from the MDP. "This is a wounded animal. They will now have even less regard for the common man. Watch out for violent reprisals", said one resident of Galolhu.

Click to read full article

Readers comment :

Dear Editor

I would like to thank you for your coverage of today’s protest. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the citizens of our country for not taking part in the MDP protests.

I was reading your accurate commentary while watching live pictures on TVM. I am sure there were no more than 500 people sitting with MDP crowd. All others were onlookers. Previously when people said that DO had a habit of exaggerated things, I didn’t believe it.

But now having read Sappe’s lies I now know the truth. There weren’t even 1000 ppl there when he said on DO that there were more than 10,000 ppl.

I would also like to take this chance to thank the police and nss for their brave work for the nation.

Mdp will now know that they don’t have support in Male’ or the rest of Maldives.

Thank you again

Mashoodh

Protest ends as Male' says no to the MDP yet again

Male',18:55 Artificial beach area is open to traffic now. only about 15 MDP activists left.
The people of Male' have once again shown that the MDP does not have their backing
Analysts on the scene say that the MDP seems to have lost what support they had in Male'. This concludes our coverage of this event for tonight.

Male', 18:50MDP hardcore members are taking down the speakers now only about 50 people left at the scene.
everyone else has gone home.

The people who are left are the ring leaders of the 2004 August gathering, bar a few who aren't in the country
Male', 18:00
MDP have apparently called off the protest. the crowd has dispersed.
It is speculated that the party leadership have had a row, as only Maaria, Reeko and Ibra were the only leading figures on the artificial beach
Male', 17:50
Due to a lack of support, the MDP has reportedly decided to call off the action at sunset. Frantic mobile communications between Ibra who is among the group of MDP members at the artificial beach and Annie have apparently caused a rupture in the party leadership.
Annie, disbelieving the smallness of scale of the event, is demanding further progression and violence while Ibra has insisted that any escalation is not possible.
What apparently swayed Annie is the coverage on TVM. It is therefore thought that barring 'unforeseen' events, the MDP will formally call off the action at sunset.
Male', 17:45National Security Service arrives on the scene

Click to read last news bulletins on 24th Jan

ATTENTION

Olhuala.com will be bringing all the updates on the 'protest' gathering organised by the MDP. Several analysts believe that this protest will end in bloodshed. Our reporters based in Male', Addu, Sri Lanka,UK and other islands of Maldives will be covering all events. Olhuala.com will bring our readers accurate updates as events unfold.

Coverage beginning shortly.

Choreographed actions expected in London and Colombo
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male, Maldives, 24th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – Today's attempted violent revolution by the MDP in the Maldives is to feature activities in the UK and Sri Lanka which have been planned in detail, a source within the MDP has informed olhuala.com. At the same time the action begins in Male' around 4 PM, MDP activists and hired locals will descend upon the Maldives' diplomatic missions in Colombo and London.

The proposed Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) demonstration in Male' and other islands have been denounced as an attempt to overthrow by force President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's constitutionally elected government.

London

MDP shadow minister Ibrahim Shareef Mavota is currently on a visit to London and has been in contact with MDP foreign arm leader David Hardingham and other lower level MDP figures living in self exile in the UK.

The demonstration, near the High Commission of Maldives, is to be led by Sabra Noordeen. Noordeen, although only 19 and not yet eligible for involvement in political parties under Maldivian law, has previously acted on behalf of the MDP in the UK.

The source says that news photographers have been hired and that Shareef has had a crash training session for an anticipated interview opportunity. Shareef is not noted for his fluency in the English language. "This involved Mavota learning by heart a few phrases. They are hoping he does not mess it up if he gets the chance to speak", our source reports.

Meanwhile, Hardingham along with his brother Tim and a host of other 'Friends of Maldives' employees and cronies are also planning to make appearances and statements. "Hardingham has already recorded a few presumptive statements for Mini Van Radio. They are going to edit and air it if events go according to plan, or maybe they are going to air them irrespective of what happens: a tactic we've tried before to influence people on the ground". Hardingham is on record on Mini Van that the MDP will bring down Gayoom this year.

Colombo

Colombo is the original home of the MDP (and where the party's leadership still retire for weekend drinking breaks), and therefore the party has a strong membership here, led by Spokesman Mohamed Latheef GoGo and Mohamed Zuhair Juha.

The MDP's liaison officer with Henveiru (Male') drug-lords, Ibrahim Rasheed IC is reportedly in Colomblo with express orders on the management of the action at the High Commission. It is not yet clear whether he will be leading the action which will feature several hired locals.

The Colombo branch has had a history of hiring Sri Lankans for their political activities, often as 'protestors'. The Colombo branch has been unable to shake off a tag of being linked with Tamil terrorists - a charge on which they are being investigated even at this moment.

The action is expected to feature around 18 Maldivians, some of them secondary level students. It is apparent that the MDP's manipulation of underage children extends well outside the borders of the Maldives.

Click to read full story

MDP to go ahead against entire nation
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male, Maldives, 23rd January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leadership have reiterated their intention on going ahead with the Party’s planned ‘protest’ on Tuesday (24th) against the wishes of the entire population.

Concerns over the legality of this demonstration, have been raised both in Male’ and the atolls. Residents of Male’ have urged their elected MPs Mohamed Shihab and Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) who are both members of the MDP shadow cabinet to call off the demonstration immediately.

Despite these calls the MDP’s official websites still maintain that the ‘protest’ will go ahead. These websites and other printed leaflets call on all MDP members to come to the “New Harbour” on the western water front of Male’ after Asr prayers. MDP activists have also been asked to bring their children to join the proceedings. MDP leader, Ibra called all party members to partake in the demonstrations with husbands, wives and children in an interview with Haveeru Daily of Male’.

The Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), the Adhaalath Party and the Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) have been united in condemning the MDP’s planned mass demonstration. All parties have published official statements to that effect.

“We are not sure if the MDP intends the demonstration to be peaceful, their track record is certainly against them” Ali Rameez a former pop star, who is a prominent member of the Adhaalath Party told olhuala.com.

“The Political Parties’ Regulations defines the places where a political party cannot hold gatherings. Political party gatherings cannot be held on the streets, public squares and sports fields. Gatherings must be in conformity with the Political Parties’ Regulations. If it is violated it will be an unlawful gathering. And hence it is outside the provisions of freedom of assembly granted by Article 26 of the Constitution” said Ahmed Muizz, the MDP chairman Mohamed Nasheed’s (Annie) attorney in an interview with Haveeru daily. Mr Muizz’s statements have been met by fierce criticism from the MDP.

One of The MDP’s media outlets Minivan News, operated by David Hardingham, the leader of the international wing of the MDP, in an effort to discredit Mr Muizz said “Attacking Muizzu’s claims Meemu atoll MP and one of the chief organizers of Tuesday’s demonstration, Ahmed Shafeeg, told Minivan to ask Muizzu which law Maumoon [Gayoom] followed when he had a gun strapped to his hip the first time he took the presidential oath. Muizzu declined to comment”.

“These statements show how little the MDP members know, or can remember. I am not sure if Shafeegu would say that. I can remember that day as it was yesterday. It was the 11th of November 1978. I am sure that Maumoon did not have a gun” said Shakir of the DRP, while clarifying this matter to olhuala.com.

The MDP’s decision to use children as political pawns has been met with fierce criticism from the government, a number of non-governmental organisations, all other political parties and the general public alike. In an earlier statement, against her party line, the MDP’s shadow Health Minister Aminath Jameel urged parents not to bring children to the “demonstration”. Sources within the MDP inform olhuala.com that Jameel will most probably be cautioned and reprimanded by the Party for stepping out of line publicly.

Analysts believe that Jameel’s statement is further reason to suspect that the MDP’s intentions are far more sinister than their publicised “peaceful protest”.

Click to read full story

Weapons stash discovered
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 23rd January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The Maldives Police Services (MPS) have discovered a stash of weapons in the eastern artificial beach area of the Capital. The MPS were working on a tip off received by a vigilant member of the public, when the discovery was made.

Sources within the MPS inform olhuala.com that ready-to-use, petrol bombs and sharpened steel rods and steel clubs were found at the scene.

“The weapons discovered were exactly like the weapons discovered at the MDP’s [Maldivian Democratic Party] Dhunfinihiya Haruge in August last year. We believe that these were prepared for the violence planned for tomorrow” said our source.

Olhuala.com will update on this situation as we receive more information.

Hithadhoo: School children onto the frontline while adults hide
Aishath Zeena, Seenu Atoll Correspondent

S. Hithadhoo, Maldives, 22nd January 2006 (olhuala.com) – Senior MDP official Moosa Luthufee has used his teenage son in an attempt to achieve the MDP's political goals. The boy was among a handful of school children, all of whom were children of MDP members, carrying placards, led to the Atoll Office during recess today, by MDP officials including Mr. Abdulla Didi and Mr. Ali Khalid, the individuals in whose interests the campaign focusses on.

This is another escalation of the widely-condemned use of children by the MDP as political pawns. It follows formal requests by the MDP to use children in their demonstrations planned for Tuesday, January 24th.

The placards called for the reinstatement of Mr. Didi and Mr. Khalid, in their former positions as Senior Assistant Principals of two government run schools in Hithadhoo - they had been relocated to similar positions in schools in Male' pending an investigation into alleged gross misconduct with respect to the use of school premises. Their reinstatement is one of the three main aims of the demonstration called for by the MDP.

The schools concerned and the Ministry of Education had received numerous requests from parents concerned about Mr. Didi and Mr. Khalid's suitability to work in the education sector in Addu Atoll. They claim the two are guilty of deception and misuse of public property for personal and political gain. The Education Minister, Ms. Zahiya Zareer, has frequently called for all concerned to protect their children from the Maldives' volatile political sphere.

One concerned parent speaking via mobile phone told olhuala.com: "The MDP is all over our kids all the time. The seventeen kids who went to the Atoll Office have been seen at the last MDP rally in Hithadhoo - the hastily arranged one which led to the complaints about Didi and Khalid".

"The MDP ferried these children from Feydhoo and Hithadhoo. Seven children came from Hithadhoo - how could they do this without the help of adults?"

Maldiveindependent.org reports that MDP activists including Abdulla Ali of Reethifeyraan, Hussain Habeeb and Salaah of Miskihdhoshuge arrived at the Hithadhoo Muhibbudheen School at the interval break with prepared placards and then proceeded to lead the children to the Atoll Office. The children and the MDP activists left the scene quickly when angry parents arrived.

"The kids were met by Atoll Office staff who spoke with them for a few minutes. They soon left, saying that the matter was not of their concern and that they had been asked to do this by adults", continued the parent.

The MI website also says that the incident bears all the hallmarks of a publicity stunt by the 'Divehi Observer Group' which includes the Mini Van News website and clandestine radio station.

Luthufee, a former Atoll Chief, is also the father of Sandhaanu Ibrahim Luthufee, one of the leading activists of the MDP who has called for terrorism and a military coup for several years. Sandhaanu Luthufee is seen as part of the fascist hard right element within the MDP, a faction who seemingly is hijacking all the party policy formulation activities as moderates such as Mohamed Waheed and Mohamed Shihab are being distanced.

Click to read full story

Children to be used as human shields
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male’, Maldives, 22nd January 2006 (olhuala.com) – Women and children should constitute a significant portion of the protest assembly called by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) next Tuesday. This is while observers including all the other political parties in the Maldives and foreign diplomats and journalists predict the MDP's plan of direct action will end up in widespread violence, including damage to property and loss of life.

MDP leaders meanwhile indicate that they believe that the presence of women and children will 'stop the police attacking the demonstrators'. Privately they admit that it would give individuals within the assembled numbers 'certain freedoms' and protect the group from attack from the enraged public, a scenario much more likely than police intervention.

The formal statement appearing on the party's website and circulated via local media in printed flyers in Male' specifically requests "all party members and supporters to bring their families, young and old, to the assembly just after Asr prayers (around 3.45 PM)".

The main assembly is to be convened at the southwest harbour in Male'.

The statement goes on to say: "Please bring food and water for an anticipated lengthy stay", although it fails to specify what to do in the likely instance of individuals having to use toilet facilities. Social workers have been aghast at the proposals, confirming they were a sure recipe for disaster.

A public health official stated: "Children are not objects to be toyed with. They need the proper care and supervision at all times. And responsible parents have to choose carefully what environments are suitable for children."

"Taking children there is completely ridiculous. Don't the people who decided on this have children or families? I wonder whether they will be taking their children".

The party leadership also guarantees that 'public activities, including traffic will not be disrupted or halted', a claim that will be hard to hold up, and for which the party is going to be fully accountable for in the final analysis. The harbour area is home to a vital cog in the Male' transport system: the Villingili ferry terminal used by thousands daily in their commute from work and school. It is incomprehensible how even if the assembly numbered just a couple of hundred, they would avoid jamming this vital location.

Meanwhile, neighbourhood action groups are deploring the people not to heed the MDP's misguided call. "I am begging, yes begging everyone I see not to let their kids out of the house on the 24th", said a concerned resident who lives near the IGM Hospital.

"Sadly, the MDP have scared my family at least. I will not be sending my two kids to school on the 24th. I have seen too often what the MDP people have done to anyone and anything that stands in the way of their objective", he concluded.

Meanwhile, the latest statements also have a characteristic common to all MDP activity: different messages in Dhivehi (Maldivian) to those in the short English version. While the English one mentions the importance the party gives to 'Peace and Security', it is not stated in the Divehi version that the MDP will make sure that protestors will be peaceful at all times.

The MDP have not given the Maldivian public any undertaking that they will ensure that their activities will be peaceful, a glaring omission which opponents have taken to mean that the MDP intend to be violent.

A frequent criticism is that the MDP have so far been able to tag foreign observers along with their 'forked-tongue' approach to messaging. The MDP leadership somehow has decided that foreign observers can be duped into neglecting all their messages in Dhivehi, by producing what is ostensibly is a translation.

The majority of the Maldivian public is extremely disturbed at the upcoming events. They are ultra protective family people and are not noted for the leniency with which they treat people guilty of adversely affecting their children.

Click to read full story

Fire at Karoage
Muruthasil Aslam, Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 22nd January 2006 0200 Hrs (olhuala.com) – The National Security Services’ Fire and Rescue personnel along with the help of local residents have successfully put out a fire at H. Karoage.

At present it is believed that the fire was caused by a short circuit in the exhaust fan in the kitchen. Although some damage to the kitchen is reported, noone was injured.

MDP officially launches crusade
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male’, Maldives, 22nd January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has pulled out all the stops this time as the Maldivian public is facing a barrage of rhetoric and invitations along with threats imploring it to partake of MDP activities on the 24th of this month.

A formal statement from the party appeared on its website appeared on Friday. This statement requests MDP “supporters” both “young and old” to assemble at the “new harbour” area in the south west of Male’. Mobile phone SMS texts and emails have also proliferated.

The proposed ‘demonstration’ shows little or no regard for laws, law and order or for social consequences.

Ostensibly the MDP’s bar has been lowered as the ‘protestors’ will demand only that Chairman Mohamed Nasheed (Annie) be released and all charges against him be dropped and also the resignation or removal from office of the Commissioner of Police Brigadier (Ret.) Adam Zahir.

Nasheed is under house arrest awaiting trial for sedition and crimes against the state, charges arising from his activities on August 12th 2005 and the weeks leading up to it.

Zahir is a figure whose public image is sharply polarised – and not particularly along partisan lines. His supporters far outnumber his detractors although the depth of the feeling of the latter, are extreme.

The call for Annie’s release is calculated to appeal for the whole party membership. While that for Zahir’s ouster should appeal to the numbers of drug-addicts and ex-convicts, particularly in Male’.

Observers point out that, though the real goal of the direct action is the overthrow of the government – a topic to which formal MDP messages do not allude to, so as to avoid arousing anti-MDP feeling in the general public. Sources privy to the MDP’s plan inform olhuala.com that it is Annie’s master plan to portray the whole fiasco as ‘spontaneous’ to foreign observers, when in actual fact the whole affair is carefully choreographed by a number of consultants.

It is undeniable that President Gayoom remains an extremely popular figure despite the MDP’s long and relentless smear campaign.

Click to read full story

I will join the protests: Annie
Ismail Rifau , Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 21st January 2006 (olhuala.com) – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairman Mohamed Nasheed (also known as Annie) has assured confidantes in the MDP that he will physically join the MDP's proposed activities on the 24th of this month. He reiterated these statements over the past three days during meetings of the MDP shadow cabinet.

Annie is currently under house arrest awaiting trial for sedition and these statements are the latest in a succession of actions which violate the terms of his bail.

Sources close to the MDP leadership informed olhuala.com that Annie said "Work to get as many people onto the streets. All of the shadow cabinet members should also be with the protestors. If the police are unable to break up the demonstration within four hours, I too will come and join you on the street” during a conference call to a meeting at G. Fus last Thursday.

"I will go there even if I am still serving under a judicial warrant. I will go there in defiance."

Some members of the shadow cabinet aired reservations about such a ploy prompting a further meeting at M. Yaagoothuge, the address where Annie is resident. The convening of the meeting was a further violation of his bail conditions.

Among the most vehement opponents of Annie's plan is Mohamed Waheed, who leads a faction within the MDP opposing the Ibra-Annie axis. However, the failure of MDP actions on Wednesday and Thursday has seen Ibra's position as party leader seriously undermined: he does not carry much political weight now and is seen as a lame duck leader.

This has seen Annie make advances at courting Waheed who is acknowledged to have the support of the moderates within the party. Annie has over the past few days discussed with Waheed the possibility of Waheed joining the protests; Waheed made positive responses although he set conditions for his involvement which Annie and Ibra have so far been unable to accommodate.

Coming out of Friday's meeting, Waheed-aide Wadhoodh sounded out a number of moderates within MDP who are increasingly disenchanted with the course of MDP actions.

It is felt that Annie's proposed action is seen by moderates as an opportunity for Waheed to take a stranglehold of the party. Sources within the Justice Ministry confirm that Annie will have no leeway in this matter: it is specifically stated that violation of bail terms will automatically lead to Annie being taken back into custody.

With his trial rumoured to start soon in any case, Ibra will also find his own position further weakened by association with next Tuesday's actions.

Wadhoodh was reported to have said: "Waheed will wait and see what transpires. It is a win-win situation for him because either way Annie and Ibra are going to be out of Waheed's way soon.

"Waheed will take over the MDP or walk away and form a new party."

Click to read full story

Readers Comments:
Violation… Whose rights? MDP is not aware at anytime!

The leader of the first registered political party does not seem to know at any given time whether his party is engaged in anything or not. IT has become the biggest joke. Lucky someone has not yet beaten the living daylights out of him for saying that. It seems that MDP will learn a lesson with every effort they make to over throw the government by mass protests or ‘peaceful’ demonstrations. They are now at a confronting stage with the public and not with the security forces. It will be a disaster for MDP if they ever mix violence and freedom of the people. They have not yet come close to feel the power of the people. It seems that MDP is counting its final days now, if they don’t renounce violence. Think of how many people are suffering from their campaigns. It is not only the government or its officials that are suffering. It is the common man trying to make his ends meet at the end of the day.

Most of the idiots who are in the demonstrations are convicted criminals or paid gang members. The media should expose who and who are taking part in these demonstrations. The use of children in the protests violates international norms and their rights. MDP is violating children’s rights by dragging themselves to a web that they will not be able to get out soon. The Gender Ministry should address the concern and advice the public and raise the issue in the Parliament of the use of children for political benefits by MDP in the recent demonstrations. The children are paid or promised of something which eventually they do not get or get half of what they have been promised.

Any person who uses violence to expresses his freedoms and to intimidate public can be labeled as a domestic terrorist. Domestic terrorism cannot be tolerated under any circumstance in Maldives. The security forces must gear up to tackle violent demonstrations. A peaceful demonstration doesn’t happen in the middle of a busy street disrupting every common man on the street. They have to be authorized and a designated place has to be mentioned.

To a common man he would do everything possible to stop their children being targets of this gangsters feeding them lies and using their children for someone else’s own agenda. On 24th January the public will rise to crush MDP and their cells with a lot of unforeseen results. May be MDP should be more careful this time; otherwise the flag bearer might have to burn with the flag for the sake of MDP if the protests turn violent.

Some uneducated bunch of idiots in the Parliament are stalling the process of reform putting their own agenda on top and are now calling for resignation of a parliament. Does that idiot (Shafeeq) know that the Parliament that is in existence was formulated with accordance with the present Constitution? It is good to hear Parliament humor from these idiots every now and them when they open their mouths in the Parliament.

Click to read full article

Where did the money go? Ibra faces another investigation
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male’, Maldives, 21st January 2006 (olhuala.com) – Recriminations from the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) failure to get its revolt up and running have intensified as party leader Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) face new allegations of corruption and misappropriation of party finances. The accusations were laid out in the shadow cabinet's ongoing series of emergency meetings tasked with figuring out explanations for their lackluster efforts.

The issue was raised in a meeting of the MDP shadow cabinet held at Galolhuge’ on the 19th of this month. Ibra left the meeting about two hours before the meeting finally adjourned around 2.30 in the morning.

Ibra faced the first grilling regarding the controversial junket he undertook to Malaysia and Sri Lanka two weeks ago. It had been announced that his trip was undertaken on party work and was financed with party funds. It has since emerged that the traveling group included Ibra's wife Hafeeza, their two children, Ibra's personal minder Raaidh (ex-army), his wife and child.

The trip lasted well over a week however official business took up just six hours of Ibra's time. It is alleged that the rest of his time was taken up with holidaying with Raaidh and their families.

A faction within MDP led by Mohamed Waheed Hassan has demanded a justification of the expense of over US $12,000 of MDP funds. Ibra has formally reported back that he met with a 'selection' of Maldivian students in Kuala Lumpur for two hours as well as treating Tan Sri Musa Hitam, Commonwealth Special Envoy, to dinner at the Vistana Hotel.

Ibra also reported Mr. Hitam as 'fully supportive of MDP's efforts to overthrow the Maldivian government', a claim that sources within the MDP have dismissed.

In addition, the UK-based Friends of Maldives have reported that certain amounts of money had been deposited in Mohamed Nasheed's (Annie) Singapore account as well as MDP held accounts in Colombo. It is alleged that Ibra used the trip to transfer his money in foreign cash from Colombo to KL where he deposited into a Singapore account.

The Maldives Police Service is believed to have been alerted, as they believe serious irregularities are involved. The Commercial Crime Unit of the MPS are reported to be making enquiries in collaboration with the Singapore Police Force Commercial Affairs Department.

Further, Ibra has also claimed that he secured more funding for the MDP during his trip overseas although he has so far refused to reveal any details about the sums involved and the donors and the conditions they set, despite much pressure from shadow cabinet members.

Conversely, Waheed has also claimed similar results from a recent visit abroad although the funds he secured seem to come attached with the condition that he has to be the leader of the party for the funds to materialise. “He too has so far failed to reveal the amounts involved and the donors” said a source close to the MDP leadership.

This is not the first time that Ibra has been accused of financial irregularities. In his short career as MDP leader, he has been accused of stealing money from the fund maintained to provide 'legal aid to people charged for creating public disorder'. Ibra's private "Mandhu Learning Centre" is said to have had a face-lift with the help of this money. He was also dismissed from the post of MDP spokesman over corruption charges.

During his time in government (Education sector), he had to deal with a number of allegations of impropriety including the awarding of public contracts to his own privately owned companies, preferential treatment for family members in awarding scholarships and also for stealing public money. Ibra resigned from government unable to shake off the tag of pilferer, although his change of career has apparently not helped in this regard.

Click to read full story

January 24th announced after recalculation
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male’, Maldives, 21st January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) shadow cabinet has arrived at a consensus to call for a 'final push' for public revolt on January 24th after the setbacks suffered during the past week. This decision was arrived at after hours of deliberation over the past two days and is expected to be announced to members and cells within the next few hours.

What actions constitute the plan of action are yet to be agreed although there is general consensus that events will kick off with civil actions and will include unspecified 'direct action to increase numbers participating in or attending street demonstrations'.

Reports say that ‘protest paraphernalia’ have been sent to islands and have been lying dormant for several days with noone willing to use them. Regular MDP members have failed to lend support for the leadership’s decisions as they see themselves being treated as pawns in the interests of the leaders.

The ‘protests’ MDP have so far been able to organize have consisted of a few drug-fueled youths and a rabble of little boys filled with childish curiosity. This has drawn strong protests from parents and schools who see the MDP as willing to sacrifice the nation’s future in their lust for power.

Much of the negotiations over the last few days were carried out at M. Yaagoothuge, the residence of Mohamed Nasheed (Annie). Other negotiations took place at Sikka Ahmed Ismail's G. Fus among the MDP shadow cabinet who were in regular phone conferences with Nasheed, David Hardingham and Nicholas Grace.

The main decision-making responsibilities of the MDP have seemingly moved away from the party's elected national executive into the hands of the Ibra-appointed shadow cabinet - a change unendorsed at the party congress nor by the party's regular members.

Sources close to the MDP leadership inform olhuala.com that heated words have been exchanged between Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), the party leader and Annie, due to the repeated humiliation the MDP had suffered in Male’ and Addu due lack of public support for their violent methods. “Ibra and Annie have had a great falling out during the last couple of days. I think Ibra’s days as party leader are numbered. It is Annie who actually calls all the shots” says Ali Faiz, a disgruntled MDP backbencher (member of Constitutional Assembly for Ba Atoll).

Inside sources also reveal that MDP's main decision-makers including Grace and Hardingham, have critised Ibra’s performance. There is growing pressure for him to stand down as party leader. He is also facing charges of swindling the MDP's money.

Meanwhile Mohamed Waheed has been making further moves in his revived leadership push. He spent the day sounding out die-hard supporters such as the Addu group led by Mavota Shareef. It is believed the two main options under consideration are: forcing of Ibra's resignation leading to a leadership election or splitting the MDP down the middle and forming a new political party.

The first option is favoured by Waheed however it would involve the calling of new elections; which means organising another costly 'national congress'. The MDP leadership is still having trouble settling bills arising out of the first congress.

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Nasheed violates bail conditions as he masterminds MDP's violence
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male’, Maldives, 21st January 2006 (olhuala.com) – Mohamed Nasheed (Annie), the Chairman of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is directing the violent activities which have plagued the capital Male' for the past few days in defiance of bail conditions set while he awaits trial for sedition and crimes against the state. Under these conditions set by the judge and to which his attorneys gave their consent, Annie has pledged to refrain from any 'violent, disruptive or inflammatory activity' as he awaits trial under house arrest.

Bail was set under the admonition that if any of these are violated he will be returned to custody. Sources inform olhuala.com that the authorities are keeping a watchful eye on the comings and goings at M. Yaagoothuge where he is resident.

The past few days has seen some meetings of the MDP shadow cabinet take place at this address in the presence of Nasheed. “Because these meetings have called for 'civil disobedience' or 'public violence' resulting in vandalism, blocking of traffic, disturbing the peace and other violent crimes, it is clear that Annie is in violation of some of the terms of bail” said one of our sources within the Attorney General’s office, who wished to remain unnamed.

However, the authorities are expected not to take Annie into custody, but rather the prosecution is expected to produce this evidence in trial. Also, the judge is expected to find Annie in contempt of his court and take appropriate measures. The disclosures come amid rumours that Annie's trial is set to commence on the 25th of this month although an official statement to this effect has not yet been made.

The MDP, after yesterday afternoon's shadow cabinet meeting at Annie's address, have called for mass countrywide protests and strikes on the 24th, seemingly to deflect attention from the trial and evidence which is to be presented against the party's chairperson.

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Mavota spreads rumors about own resignation
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 21st January 2006 (olhuala.com) – Mavota Shareef, MP for Addu Atoll is stating to selected individuals that he has handed in his resignation from the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) shadow cabinet, although olhuala.com has reason to believe this claim is false and designed to create further animosity towards the government. The main reason for his sudden decision, he claims, is the damage his Male' residence suffered last night after an attack by 'pro-government activists'.

Shareef was implicated in another separate disinformation scandal just yesterday when he found to have lied about the circumstances surrounding MDP activities in S. Hithadhoo. This had led to the congregation of dozens of MDP members at Hithadhoo hospital before the lie was exposed. MDP activists left the scene calling for Shareef's head and it is believed that these gangs had a part to play in the attack on his Male' home.

Shareef was appointed 'shadow minister for Tourism, Trade and Communication' by party leader Ibrahim Ismail just three weeks ago. Shareef again 'disclosed his decision' to MDP members when he came out of a meeting of MDP chiefs around 9.30 this evening.

He also stated that he had informed Ismail and other members of the shadow cabinet during the course of the meeting. He claimed he did not request to leave the MDP.

The end of MDP's first congress last December had ended in all attendees from the southern atolls including Addu walking out of the conference due to perceived discrimination against them by the MDP's decision makers. Not a single representative from the southern atolls had been elected to any of the party's posts.

In order to placate the southern faction, Ibra offered their leader Shareef a position in his shadow cabinet after much wrangling. Supporters had pointed out Shareef's shortcomings with regard to education level, success, experience and public service and maintained that the appointment had all the hallmarks of improper political wheeling and dealing.

It was reported at the time that Shareef had penned his resignation from the MDP and was minutes away from handing it in. In rumours almost identical to today's story, it was further reported that Shareef was willing to swap parties and join the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) if the DRP was willing to repay the huge debts he had accrued through his failed business ventures.

While some within the DRP were willing to fund this, it had been vetoed by party leaders as not being 'worth the investment'.

Questions regarding Shareef's commitment to the cause have proved difficult to shake off ever since he joined the MDP. For several years he was the running mate of the DRP's Hiyalee Rasheed, and he was elected this time with the help of several votes from current DRP voters. He was elected to the Majlis before the advent of political parties in the Maldives.

Shareef has a history of letting intimidation and fear determine his actions. A long-time associate of Shareef told olhuala.com: "He was swayed to join the MDP because of the number of threats he and his family were getting from anti-government yobs in Addu."

Whatever Shareef expects to gain from his rumour mongering, it is unlikely that the public will be taken in by words emanating from a source quickly gaining notoriety for being inaccurate and even deceptive.

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