President of MDP Male' constituency Ameen Faisal still in jail :: Maldives News :: Dhivehi Observer

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President of MDP Male' constituency Ameen Faisal still in jail

15 April 2007

Male' - Ameen Faisal, the President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MPD)'s Male' constituency was arrested on 15th April whilst he went to pay his respect to late Hussain Salah from Hithadhoo, who had been allegedly murdered by the Maldives police whilst he was in their custody. Tension broke out near the cemetery in the capital and scores of reformists were arrested including MDP Chairman Nasheed, Male' MP Kaanal Nasheed and Ameen Faisal amongst others.

The total number of those arrested since the 15th in relation to the unrest and protests going on in the capital is reportedly more than 20 now. Ameen and others were taken to Dhoonidhoo jail on Sunday evening. MDP Chairman Nasheed and Male' MP Kaanal Nasheed were bother released on Monday morning but Ameen still remains in custody. According to our sources he is being kept in solitary confinement and police wants to keep him in detention so that he may not take part in the planned MDP demonstration this weekend.

No charges have been brought against Ameen or any others in relation to these arrests. Such preventative detention is the norm in the Maldives, which legal experts say is unconstitutional. MDP Male' constituency today released a statement calling for his immediate and unconditional release. The statement also condenms the heavy handed and illegal tactics employed by the Maldives Police when party members and other protestors were apprehended.

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