Following a coup d'etat against the President of the Maldives, CSW is calling for urgent prayer and urges the international community to send a clear message calling for a restoration of democratic order.

Crisis in the Maldives

An escalating political crisis came to a head on Tuesday 7 February, when a coup d'etat took place against Mohamed Nasheed, the president of the Maldives. CSW is deeply concerned by what is a serious setback for progress on democratisation, the rule of law and respect for human rights in the Maldives.

Coup d'etat by security forces, opposition politicians and Islamists

Rogue police officers attacked and caused serious damage to the president's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) headquarters, and clashed with MDP supporters in the early hours of 7 February.  The state television MNBC was then seized by military and police officers. President Nasheed was escorted to the President's Office, where he was forced to write a letter of resignation, delivered to the parliament by the coup leaders. He was replaced by his former vice president, Mohamed Waheed.

A warrant has been issued for Nasheed's arrest, although it has not been used yet.
Mohamed Nasheed, who had been a leading campaigner for democracy prior to his election in 2008, and who was imprisoned several times and tortured for his work, was the Maldives' first democratically elected president. His removal by force, in the context of a revolt by rogue elements of the police and military, working with opposition politicians and Islamists, has grave ramifications for human rights and the rule of law in the Maldives. One concerning aspect of the current situation is that Islamic extremism played a role in the events leading the coup, and is gaining strength in the Maldives.

Police crackdowns on MDP protests

In the short term, CSW is concerned for the security and welfare of Mohamed Nasheed, and for his supporters in the MDP. In the longer term, we fear for the future of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the Maldives.
President Nasheed has led peaceful street protests in the capital Male, calling for the restoration of democracy. The demonstrations have been met by brutal responses from the police. Among those who have been beaten is Moosa Manik, a Male MP and Chair of the MDP, who sustained serious injuries after being assaulted by police officers with a taser gun, batons, and a knife.

Another protesting MDP member describes leaving the shop where he had taken refuge only to be repeatedly beaten by the police. He says, "I was surrounded, they were hurling abuse at me and spraying pepper spray into my eyes, one person forced my mouth open and sprayed" Other party members have been indiscriminately taken for interrogation, one describing being assaulted with pepper spray and being forced to kneel on broken glass.

CSW calls for urgent action from the international community

CSW is urging the international community send a strong, clear message urging for a restoration of democratic order, in which Mohamed Nasheed and his MDP are able to participate fully, freely and without fear.

CSW is also encouraging prayers for the Maldives at this turbulent time:

• For the international community to respond in a coherent and helpful manner;
  
• For safety for peaceful protesters and an end to crackdowns against them;
  
• For an independent international investigation into events leading up to the coup;
  
• For an election to be held quickly;
  
• For a restoration of full democratic processes and respect for the rule of law and human rights in the Maldives.