HAVEERU DAILY NEWS ARTICLE 25 OCTOBER 2004

http://www.haveeru.com.mv/index.php?page=details&id=20785

Quick Translation

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION TO HOLD INDEPENDENT INQUIRY ON THOSE DETAINED FOLLOWING THE UNREST CAUSED IN THE REPUBLIC SQUARE

25 October 2004

Ahmed Abdullah

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has decided to hold a public inquiry to ascertain whether any ill-treatment violating human rights were sustained during arrest and detention of those held in connection with the incident on Republic Square on 12th night and 13 of August this year.

This is the first public inquiry on a human rights issue ever held in the Maldives open to the public.

In a press conference held today the Chairperson of the Commission Mr Ahmed Mujuthaba said such an inquiry was decided to be undertaken because even the government has said the matter falls among the responsibilities of the Commission and therefore such an inquiry would increase transparency and confidence in the results.

"As this is the first time such an inquiry is being conducted, having put in place the necessary human resources and other mechanism involved, and as soon as its rules and procedure are established the inquiry will begin," Mr Mujuthaba said. "Once they are established in early November the inquiry may begin".

According to Mr Mujuthaba the assistance of an international expert will be used in establishing the rules and regulations of the inquiry.

When the Commission met with those detained in connection with the unrest in the Republic Square complaints were made on human rights abuse. "In addition to these complaints the Commission has received 19 other complaints as well" Mujuthaba said.

The Commission has noted that 33 people are still detained in connection with the unrest including a member of the Commission itself.

END