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"They are the real terrorists" - Ismailbe'

2007-05-03T13:20:00.001-07:00

Dhivehi Observer, 04 May 2007

All societies teach their members, irrespective of caste or creed, to respect the elderly; to enable them to lead a life of dignity. In this sense, the Maldives is no exception. It is part of our culture and Islamic heritage that we treat our elderly with kindness and tolerance.

In such a situation, it is horrifying to read the ordeal that was inflicted by the Maldivian police upon an old octogenarian with hearing and visual impairments. How the police could treat Ismailbe' with such indignity is beyond belief. To deny an old man water and food for 6 hours is something no decent human being could accept. And to physically force this vulnerable old man to be fingerprinted makes it even more atrocious.

In an era where the relationship between the police service and the public is at its lowest, it is unbelievable that the police could stoop so low as to victimize an old disabled man like Ismailbe'. It would only convince more people that the police are cruel and inhumane. In such a scenario, it's of little surprise that people are willing to believe that the police murdered Hussein Salah. If someone could treat a harmless old man the way they have been treating Ismailbe', then it is not difficult to believe that they would be quite comfortable about murdering someone who they thought was a bigger threat.

Ismailbe' is a remarkable7 character. He is greatly loved and admired by all reformists, especially members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Despite his physical impairments due to old age, he has worked tirelessly against the brutal regime of Dictator Gayyoom ever since the reform movement began 3 years ago. It is worth noticing here that, Ismailbe' is almost the same age as the Dictator but Ismailbe' is much more aware of what is going on around the country, as he clearly proved in the exclusive video interview given to Dhivehi Observer this week. Ismailbe's described the Maldives Police as the ?real terrorists' and not him. He described how he was ill-treated, forced to fingerprint a statement. He described how the police had threatened that if he did not obey their orders, he would be thrown in jail.

The United Nations Principles for the Older Persons adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1991 states that "Older persons should be able to live in dignity and security and be free of exploitation and physical or mental abuse".

It is inconceivable that the Maldives Dictator, his Home Affairs Minister Thasmeen and Commissioner of Police is not aware of this important principle.

Incidentally, it maybe of interest to the cronies of the regime to know that The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for the Sudanese government's Humanitarian Affairs Minister Ahmed Haroun suspected of committing crimes against humanity including the murder, rape, torture and persecution of civilians.

Once again, this inhumane and deplorable episode has proved that torture, ill-treatment and persecution of the elderly is perfectly acceptable to the Maldives Dictator.

Exlcusive Interview with Ismailbe'

2007-05-01T03:43:00.000-07:00

Speaking exclusively to Dhivehi Observer, Ismailbe' described how he had been mistreated by the Maldives Police. He said he was forced to sign the statement and said that "I know who terrorists are, they are the terrorists, not me!. They are the people who kill people. They threatened me and said if I get out of the house they will put me in a cell (solitary confinement)". click to watch video

Free Ismailbe' Now

2007-04-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

Ismailbe' in MDP's first congress

Ismailbe' is a real hero

Ismailbe' is an inspirational figure

He is always there...

Ismailbe' is one in a million!

"Ismailbe is an inspiration" Zaki

2007-04-30T07:08:00.001-07:00

Commenting on the arrest of Ismailbe', MDP's Acting President said "Ismailbe' has been a faithful party worker, who has always stood against brutality of this dictatorship. He had joined the party at its very inception. At this age of his life, it is not only admirable that he continues to stand against oppression and tyranny. He is an inspiration to us all. His arrest is a cowardly act by a dying regime".

Petition launched calling on the Maldives Dictator to free Ismailbe'

2007-04-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

An online petition has been launched, calling on the Maldives Dictator to free Ismailbe'. Click here to sign the petition. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/freeismailbe/

Ismailbe' is a very active member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and works tirelessly to bring democracy and freedom to the Maldives. "He is a real star, we all love him," was the decscription of him by MDP's Secretary General Hamid Abdul Gafoor.

Will Ismailbe' be handed over to the FBI?

2007-04-30T04:34:00.001-07:00

News Update

Ismailbe', a threat to national security?

Male' - 15:00 - Ismailbe' was today taken to the 'new' torture chambers of police in Atholhuvehi, where late Hussain Salah was murdered earlier this month. Police just went to Ismailbe's house without notice and took him away for interrogation, without a lawyer. He was asked how many children he has and that was all. Experts believe that the interrogation is more psychological in nature and it is likely that Ismailbe' will be handed over to FBI, who will most probably take him away to Guantanamo Bay. "It is quite possible that Ismailbe' is involved in terrorism activities worldwide and hence a threat to the world at large, not just the Maldives", said a senior policeman. "We have to be very careful with these terrorists", he added further. Ismailbe' was also interrogated yesterday by chief torturer Adam Zahir personally, which indicates that this case is quite serious in nature. According to our sources, Ismailbe' told police yesterday that he has nothing to say and that it is the police who murder and kill people and not him. Ismailbe' doesn't really know the meaning of terrorism, so he could not comment on the charges. Ismailbe' (Ismail Mohamed) is 80 years old and works as a messenger at the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) office in Male'. He was arrested yesterday whilst distributing prints of the statement made by Hussain Salah's family, who was murdered by Maldives Police on 15th April.

Ismailbe' arrested for distributing prints of Salah's family statement

2007-04-30T04:33:00.001-07:00

Local News (Updated) - 29 April 2007

Male' - Ismailbe' is now under house arrest and will be taken to interrogation tomorrow, possibly on terrorism charges. He has been asked to arrange a lawyer. Ismailbe' is 80 years old and is trying to see if Golhaabo himself could be his lawyer, failing that he wants Moakulhi Hameed to be his lawyer, according to Ismailbe's associates. Like most people, Ismailbe' thinks that Golhaabo' and his brother are lawyers, but they are not. A proper lawyer has now been arranged for him by his friends and family.

Male' - Ismailbe' (Ismail Mohamed, M. Fizaa), a senior citizen and an active member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has been arrested today for distributing prints of the statement made by the family of Hussain Salah, who was murdered by the Maldives Police on 15th April. An associate of Ismailbe' said that he is an old man and has done nothing wrong but exercise his freedom. "That statement is all over the internet and printed in local newspapers too, we don't see anything wrong with it being distributed by Ismailbe' or anyone else for that matter," said an MDP activist. Ismailbe' is a volunteer staff who helps out in MDP head office in Male'.