Black Ribbon day - Cry Against Torture Campaign

CRY AGAINST TORTURE
"Wear the black ribbon.."

On the 19th September 2003 in Maafushi Jail, Maldives, members of President Gayoom's National Security Service took 19 year-old Evan Naseem out of his cell to ‘the range’. They tied Evan's hands above his head and his legs to the floor in an 'X' position. Then, they took it in turns to beat Evan to death with iron rods, batons and chair legs.

The ensuing riots that followed his murder, in both Maafushi Jail and Male’, represented the first popular uprising against the dictatorship of President Gayoom.

For many, Evan Naseem has come to represent the symbol of torture, brutality and murder under Gayoom’s rule. He has also come to represent the struggle for an end to tyranny and for the establishment of real democracy in our islands.

In remembrance of Evan Naseem, and many others who have died or been tortured under Gayoom’s despotism, people are planning to wear a simple black ribbon tomorrow, the 19th September and on the 20th September.

Black ribbons will be available free of charge throughout Male’ tomorrow. To show solidarity with Evan and the struggle for freedom in Maldives, you can obtain your ribbon at:

The Minivan Daily office
Al fresco café, STO building
Pizzeria, inside the carnival

Evan this is for you..for all the pain you went through. Pain that we will never know or feel..pain and anger at the torture you went through to your last breath...We will never ever give up fighting for our rights, fighting for all those who were tortured and is being tortured...we will risk our own lives for you gave yours...and you were just..helpless...! :(

We will make sure that such a thing never happens while we are alive..we will give up our own to save our brethren...god its a sad day...