EXTERNALAI Index: ASA 29/08/95

(This is limited action. Please restrict appeals to 20 per section.)

1 November 1995

Further information on UA 115/95 (ASA 29/02/95, 25 May 1995) and follow-ups (ASA 29/03/95, 15 June; ASA 29/04/95, 21 July; ASA 29/05/95, 23 August; ASA 29/06/95, 30 August; ASA 29/07/95, 22 September) - Possible prisoners of conscience / Health concern

REPUBLIC OF MALDIVESMohamed Latheef, aged 71, linguist

Ahamed Shafeeq, aged 67, former civil servant

Ali Moosa Didi, writer and politician

Amnesty International has been informed that Mohamed Latheef was transferred from Male' police headquarters to house arrest in mid-October. He is said to have been extremely weak at the time of his transfer and could barely walk. There is continuing grave concern, particularly given his age, over his state of health.

Amnesty International continues to be concerned about Ahamed Shafeeq and Ali Moosa Didi who remain under house arrest.

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

- expressing concern about the continued detention of Mohamed Latheef, Ahamed Shafeeq and Ali Moosa Didi and about their state of health;

- calling for their immediate and unconditional release if they are not to be promptly charged with recognizable criminal offences;

- expressing serious concern at the length of time these detainees have been held without charge or trial.

APPEALS TO:

President Maumoon 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

Brigadier Adam Zahir

Officer in Charge

Police Headquarters

Bandeyrige

Male'

Republic of Maldives

Telegrams: Brigadier Zahir, Police Headquarters, Male, Maldives

Salutation: Dear Brigadier

COPIES TO:

Abdulla Hameed

Speaker

Office of the Citizens' Majlis

Naadi, Ameer Ahmed Magu

Male', Republic of Maldives

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 12 December 1995.