Police in the Maldives used excessive force when arresting former
President Mohamad Nasheed on Monday, said Amnesty International.
Nasheed
was arrested in Fares-Maathoda in southern Maldives this morning for
allegedly ignoring a court summons. Eyewitnesses told Amnesty
International that during the arrest police vandalised the house where
Nasheed was staying, and then attacked supporters peacefully protesting
outside including former foreign minister Ahmed Naseem who was kicked
and pepper sprayed in the face.
“We are deeply concerned about the
reports of some police using violence around Mohamad Nasheed’s arrest,
despite neither him nor his supporters offering any resistance,” said
Abbas Faiz, Amnesty International’s Researcher on Maldives.
Nasheed
is to stand trial for the alleged arrest of a judge, Abdulla Mohamed,
during his presidency. While it is positive the Maldivian authorities
are investigating the case, Amnesty International is concerned that the
current authorities are turning a blind eye to human rights violations
during the presidencies of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (1978-2008) and Mohamed
Waheed (since February 2012).
“Investigations into past abuses are
always welcome. However, accountability must not be selective – all
authorities including former presidents should be held accountable for
human rights violations. The focus on human rights violations during
only Nasheed’s presidency appears politically motivated,” said Faiz.
Amnesty International has repeatedly raised concerns about police brutality against peaceful protesters this year under the new goverment. Not a single person has been held accountable for these violations.
During
the presidency of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, his political opponents were
routinely arbitrarily arrested and tortured. His government was able for
the most part to evade accountability for the many human rights
violations during his time.
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