The Dictator has run out of options :: Maldives News :: Dhivehi Observer

Editorial
The Dictator has run out of options

By A. S. I. Moosa (Sappe'), 21 November 2005

The real hero of democracy movement in Maldives is the co-founder of the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) which despite being in opposition, now represents popular support of the majority of the Maldivian people. Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), the chairman of the party however still remains in custody after he was arrested by Dictators ruthless militia 'The Star Force' as he sat in a peaceful vigil in the centre of the Republican Square in capital Male'. On 12th August 2005, Mr. Nasheed and half a dozen of his associates, sat there to commemorate the 1st anniversary of Black Friday 2004, during which Gayyoom arrested hundreds of pro-democracy activists and tortured them for months because they demanded his resignation in order to pave the way for democratic reform to take place in the Maldives.

Chairman Nasheed being dragged by Gayyoom's militia on 12th August 2005

There is absolutely no doubt that the aging Dictator is no longer mighty and powerful. He is no longer feared or respected by the general public. The only people who are still backing him or rather helping to sustain his ruthless regime are the people who are the direct beneficiaries of that system through which these cronies have digested great riches. But, there are increasing signs that some of them are defecting from his mafia.

Last Friday, hundred left the Central Friday Mosque in Male' when they found out that the Dictator was the Imam and that he was going to deliver the sermon. Many went to the nearby Bandaara Mosque to perform the prayer because they believed that it was sac religious to pray behind a murderer like Gayyoom, who has been running a virtual police state in our small country, the smallest Islamic nation in the world.

Similarly, last week we saw that the parliament had rejected to approve the candidates Gayyoom had proposed for the new Human Rights Commission despite the fact that his cronies do still occupy more seats in the parliament, which of course is elected unfairly and disproportionately. Nevertheless, because of the strong public presence in meetings these days, even Gayyoom's own people are hesitant to debate issues of public interest without considering the consequences. That night, it was Gayyoom's brother Yameen, MP Aneesa and Azima Shukoor who spoke in favour of Gayyoom, almost all the others were unhappy about at least some aspects of the process.

In addition to all that, Gayyoom's closest allies are now being severely exposed to the local public. Leaked documents of former Foreign Minister has revealed to the public the dirty tricks that Gayyoom employ to sustain his murderous regimes, mainly his spineless foreign policy which is filled with propaganda and lies. Surely, these are tough times for the aging Dictator as his position is quite compromised.

Coming back to the focal point of the fate of MDP Chairperson Nasheed, there are now increasing evidence that Gayyoom will have no choice but to acquit him. First of all because of the international pressure but most importantly due to the public outrage and anger that is just about to explode. Of course, Gayyoom has no evidence against Nasheed, but that has never deterred him from prosecuting and locking up his opponents, so that element does not even come into his consideration.

After witnessing the public outcry on the 27th October in Male' when Nasheed was brought and charged with crimes against the state, Gayyoom transferred Nasheed from jail to house arrest on the 1st of this month, in order to defuse the situation and because of the inability of his militia to control the crowd. Nasheed's detention was extended by a further 30 days and is due to expire next week. This was another proof of Gayyoom's compromised political position and since Nasheed's trial has still not begun and no date has been set for a hearing, it is safe to assume that he will be set free next week and all charges will be dropped.

Gayyoom has lost his 'mojo' and should really not resist the wave of change because whether he likes it or not, his end is just months away.