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Internet and Amnesty International contacts result in Criminal Court charges Maldives Culture report Malé October 2002 Naushad Waheed with his son Maldives artist and businessman Naushad Waheed faces a possible life sentence after admitting he was in contact with Amnesty International, contributed to an Internet discussion forum called Dhivehi Forum, and was in contact with other Maldivians who were working to change the government. Naushad is being charged under Section 29 of the Maldivian Penal Code. He is due to appear in the Malé Criminal Court on Thursday 10 October 2002. Naushad was first arrested in December, and has been in prison or under house arrest since then. Earlier reports that Naushad was involved in the publication of Sandhaanu appear to have been incorrect. Naushad readily admits he was writing to Amnesty International and contributed to Dhivehi Forum (now defunct), but he denies that he took part in any anti-government activities, according to informed sources. While under house arrest, Naushad asked the government for an opportunity to serve the public with his artistic skills. He developed detailed plans to establish an art school. Maldives Penal Code Anti-Government Activities and Civil Strife Section 29 Any person who attempts, or who is aiding and abetting, an anti-government act, that person's punishment is life imprisonment or banishment for life, or 10-15 years gaol or banishment. Source: p. 507, Laws of Maldives, (Dhivehiraajjeyge Gaanoonuthah), published by Majlis Administration Office, Malé, Maldives 1997 top

Previous Maldives Culture articles on Naushad and other political prisoners Naushad arrest exposes petty paranoia of the Gayyoom regime Fear for Safety / Fear of Torture or ill-treatment - Maldives Amnesty International report Mohamed Nasheed stripped of Malé Majlis seat

Maldives Culture is an independent internet magazine of Maldivian cultural issues.
Editors and translators: Michael O'Shea and Fareesha Abdulla, Australia
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