EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: ASA 29/03/95

Distr: UA/SC

This is a limited action. Please restrict appeals to 20 per Section.

15 June 1995

Further information on UA 115/95 (ASA 29/02/95, 25 May 1995) - Possible prisoners of conscience / Health concern

REPUBLIC OF MALDIVESAhamed Shafeeq, aged 67, former civil servant, writer

Ali Moosa Didi, writer and politician

The Director of the Ministry of Information and Culture in the Maldives has responded to Amnesty International's concerns about the arrest and detention of Ahamed Shafeeq and Ali Moosa Didi on 21 April 1995. The reply, dated 14 June, states that: "The [above] two men have been taken into police custody on charges of having contravened the law. Investigations into their case are underway". No further details were provided on the reasons for their arrest and no information was given about their current state of health.

Amnesty International remains concerned that Ahamed Shafeeq and Ali Moosa Didi may be prisoners of conscience and is still concerned for their health. Furthermore the two men have now been held in police custody for longer than 45 days. In 1992, Amnesty International was informed by the Officer in Charge of Police that 45 days is the maximum period allowed by law for people to be detained in police custody.

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

- acknowledging the reply from the Director of the Ministry of Information and Culture that Ahamed Shafeeq and Ali Moosa Didi were taken into police custody on charges of "having contravened the law";

- expressing concern that the two men have been now been held in police custody for longer than 45 days which is, according to the Officer in Charge of Police who informed Amnesty International in 1992, the maximum length of time the law allows for people to be detained in police custody;

- reiterating concern about their health;

- calling for their immediate and unconditional release, if they are not to be charged with recognizably criminal offences.

APPEALS TO:

President Maummon Abdul Gayoom

The President's Office

Marine Drive (North)

Male'

Republic of Maldives

Faxes: * 960 32 55 00

Telegrams: President Gayoom, Male, Maldives

Salutation: Dear President

Lt Colonel Adam Zahir

Officer in Charge

Police Headquarters

Bandeyrige

Male'

Republic of Maldives

Telegrams: Lt Colonel Zahir, Police Headquarters, Male, Maldives

Salutation: Dear Lt Colonel

COPIES OF YOUR APPEALS TO:

Dr Mohamed Munavvar

Attorney General

Attorney General's Department

Huravee Building

Ameer Ahmed Magu

Male'

and to diplomatic representatives of REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International secretariat, or your section office if sending appeals after 30 July 1995.