Yes, it is a tropical paradise (if a very artificial one), and you might not have long given the rising ocean levels accompanying global warming, but you might like to note that Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the President, has kept on being re-elected since 1978 (making him Asia’s longest-serving leader). Indeed, at most recent election he won with more than 90 per cent of the vote. You might call it a miracle of political achievement … or, a triumph for the secret police.
As a Telegraph correspondent reports, even a simple, peaceful demonstration for democracy doesn’t last long:
The demonstrators, numbering no more than two hundred, occupied a main street in Male under a banner that said: “We believe in freedom for everyone, not just one man†– referring, of course, to President Gayoom.
By their actions, the protesters, including two opposition MPs, were breaking Maldivian law which prohibits more than three people gathering in a public place without prior permission. …
It didn’t take long before the Star Force boys in their blue, paramilitary uniforms moved in to ‘capture’ the demonstrators’ banners and cart the two MP’s, including woman member Maria Didi, away in their van.
The one man to capture the arrest on video was chased down an alley way and pinned to the ground by six police who took away his camera. He was then frogmarched away in handcuffs. I tried to get a picture of him but a policeman blocked the lens.
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