Ibrahim Ismail

Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), MDP member for Male', is demanding that the parliament conduct an independent and public enquiry into recent allegations of murder and torture in Dhoonidhoo Jail.

The 'Muaviath massala' proposed by Ibra was seconded by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of Lhaviyani was discussed in the People's Majlis yesterday.

Of the forty members who attended the Majlis yesterday, all voted in favour of debating the motion. Twenty members also indicted that they wanted to speak on the motion.

Speaking last month Ibra said, 'I am seriously concerned about the conditions of people incarcerated. There are enough recent cases that have come to public notice to warrant an enquiry by the Majlis.'

The recent cases include the death in police custody on 9 March of Muaviath Mahmood and the severe torture of Ibrahim Mohamed in Dhoonidhoo detention centre. Numerous pieces of evidence have come to light since Muaviath's death which proves he was badly beaten by police before he died.

During the debate in parliament yesterday, Ibra passionately described the abuse he and others suffered in jail following the 13 August crackdown by the authorities on a peaceful pro-democracy rally in Male'. He pointed out that government media claimed that he and other pro-democracy detainees were traitors while they were being tortured.

He said that unless the government is able to face these allegations and carry out a proper investigation there would be international pressure on the government.

While Ibra was speaking, the Speaker told him to conclude his speech but Ibra did not pay any attention and continued. Most spectators in the public gallery were said to be moved to tears by the debate.

The Attorney-General Dr Hassan Saeed also spoke. He said that one of the main problems was the over-reliance on confessions in trials in the country which can lead to police abuse. He pointed out that between 2000-2003, 90% of trials in Maldives were based on confessions but last year that fell to 60%. Hassan Saeed indicated his support for Ibra's motion.

The motion will be further discussed in the next session of the People's Majlis.

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