EXTERNALAI Index: ASA 29/01/98

14 January 1998

Further information on UA 367/97 (ASA 29/03/97, 25 November 1997) - Denial of medical treatment / Deteriorating health conditions

THE MALDIVESIsmail Saadiq, businessman

There is grave concern at the Maldivian authorities continued stance on preventing Ismail Saadiq from seeking access to adequate and necessary medical facilities despite continuing reports of his deteriorating health. He is passing blood in his urine and suffering other medical problems.

Amnesty International has received a copy of a medical report written by two Maldivian doctors who have diagnosed Ismail Saadiq as having: ”urolithiasis with haematuria controlled seizures non-A non-B hepatitis with elevated liver enzymes.”

The report recommends an investigation of the liver pathology biopsy and CT/MRI [specialized imaging] evaluation. It is understood that it is not possible for Ismail Saadiq to receive this treatment in the Maldives. His request to travel to Bangkok, where his wife and two children live, in order to obtain medical attention has been denied.

Ismail Saadiq has not received a trial, and the decision on whether or not he should remain in detention is reportedly solely with the Maldivian President. There is suspicion that his continued detention may be a measure to prevent him standing as, or campaigning in favour of, an alternative candidate during the forthcoming presidential elections (due sometime this year). His troubles with the authorities reportedly began after he supported a candidate who contested the last presidential elections in 1993 and who was subsequently tried for “unconstitutional behaviour”.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/faxes/express/airmail letters in English or your own language:

- expressing concern at the deteriorating health of Ismail Saadiq;

- urging the Government of Maldives to allow him access to adequate and necessary medical facilities without delay;

- expressing concern that he has been detained or under house arrest intermittently without trial for the last 18 months in contravention of international human rights standards, possibly for his peaceful opposition to the government, which would make him a prisoner of conscience.

APPEALS TO:

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

The President’s Office

Marine Drive (North)

Male’

Republic of Maldives

Telegrams:President Gayoom, Male’, Maldives

Faxes:+ 960 32 55 00

Salutation:Dear President

Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim

Chief Justice

High Court of the Maldives

Henveyru

Moonlight Higun

Male'

Republic of Maldives,

Telegrams:Chief Justice, Male’, Maldives

Faxes:+ 960 31 64 71.

Salutation:Dear Chief Justice

Please also send a letter to your own foreign ministry seeking their help in raising your concern about Ismail Saadiq with the Government of Maldives.

COPIES TO:

Abdulla Hameed

Speaker

Office of the Citizens’ Majlis

Naadi

Ameer Ahmed Magu

Male’

Republic of Maldives

Faxes:+ 960 32 41 04

Diplomatic representatives of The Maldives accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 28 February 1998.