8 September 2005

Alert

Writer and leading opposition politician Mohamed Nasheed charged with "terrorism" and "sedition"


Incident details

Mohamed Nasheed

writer(s)

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN has protested the decision to charge opposition politician and writer Mohamed Nasheed with terrorism and sedition for "inciting violence against the president" in a speech he made in July. Nasheed was among several members of a newly established opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), arrested on 12 August 2005 during a peaceful protest in Malé.

Nasheed was reportedly charged on 23 August with "terrorism" and "sedition". International PEN considers the charges to be without foundation and brought to curb Nasheed's legitimate political activities. PEN demands Nasheed's immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights. PEN seeks immediate assurances that he is being treated humanely in detention and granted access to any necessary medical care.

For further information, see the following BBC News report:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/4177840.stm



Source:

Writers in Prison Committee, PEN International
Brownlow House
50-51 High Holborn
London WC1V 6ER
United Kingdom
wipc (@) pen-international.org
Phone: +44 20 74050338
Fax: +44 20 74050339
 

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More on this case

"Minivan Daily" columnist questioned, charges against one of its editors dropped, those against another reduced; "E-Sandhaanu" editor released 3 May 2007 Writer and leading opposition politician Mohamed Nasheed freed from house arrest 3 October 2006 Journalist Jennifer Latheef let out of prison for 10 days for health reasons 3 January 2006 Campaign to free Jennifer Latheef grows as her third month in prison ends 21 December 2005 Journalist Jennifer Latheef sentenced to 10 years in prison 19 October 2005 Journalist on trial amid continuing crackdown on press 27 September 2005 International PEN protests arrest of writer Mohamed Nasheed, fears ill-treatment 18 August 2005 Journalists targeted in crackdown on pro-democracy opposition 17 August 2005

Maldives

IFJ deeply concerned by attack on broadcast studio 30 January 2012 Leading journalist released, his blog remains banned 10 January 2012 Journalist detained, charges unclear 21 December 2011 Government shuts down blog in climate of growing religious intolerance 24 November 2011 IFJ concerned over police investigation into journalist's sources 11 July 2011 See all alerts: Maldives


 
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