Maldives Vigil Ends in Protest

A state of emergency was declared in the Maldives yesterday after riot police used teargas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds of protesters calling for the release of political prisoners in Male, the capital of the tourist-dependent islands in the Indian Ocean.

According to witnesses, what started as a vigil for five arrested political reformists on Thursday night became a mass gathering of people demanding democracy, the release of prisoners and the resignation of cabinet ministers and the president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Asia's longest-serving leader.

"Gradually the crowd got angrier and angrier and they started making demands for the immediate resignation of members of cabinet and the police," said Ibrahim Ismail, a Male member of parliament.

The police finally released the prisoners but the protesters refused to disperse.

State radio later announced the declaration of the state of emergency, saying that fundamental rights of citizens had been suspended and people would not be allowed to gather, demonstrate or express views critical of the government.

Yesterday the Maldivean government tried to play down the size and significance of the demonstrations.

"A bunch of people milling around calling for cabinet ministers to resign does not warrant any action," said a spokesman.

But others claimed that up to 20,000 people, almost a quarter of the residents of the capital city, had peacefully demonstrated and the entire cabinet had met in emergency session at the police headquarters.

A spokesman for the British Foreign Office in London said the situation was "worrying".

He said demonstrations were expected to continue for several days and that British tourists were being advised to stay clear of gatherings of people.

Up to 80,000 Britons visit the country each year, but few go to Male.

Mohammed Nasheed, a political exile living in London, said that he had been approached yesterday by the military to return to Male.

"This is more serious than last September's riots," he said. "The national security service approached me to offer me a coup but I do not want to do anything with the military. I am looking for a way to return with some form of protection. I am very frightened for my security."

Dissatisfaction with Mr Gayoom, who has led the Islamic country since 1978, has been growing for several years.

The Maldives bans the formation of political parties, and, according to Amnesty International, has a bad human rights record.

Last month the foreign secretary, Jack Straw, wrote to the president congratulating him on his stated intention to reform the constitution.

However, political activists say there has been little progress and that patience is wearing thin.