The stabbing of Inad Mohamed, a well know musician in Male’, who now lives in Netherlands, and his brother; is probably the penultimate in the acts of murderers who are let loose on the streets of Male, the capital of the Maldives.
Just a few days ago, the Home Minister won a landslide victory over a no-confidence motion in parliament. The motion followed the take over of the streets of Male by the army, as the Police were unable to control the violence fanning the streets of Male. Several had been hospitalized in critical condition, and two people died, one aged fourteen. The great majority of parliamentarians accepted the Home Minister’s explanation that it was those responsible for the acts of violence who could stop it!
The police were quick to note that the incident has no connection with the “ongoing street violence in Male”. This despite an earlier statement that the violence in Male were drug related.
The media reports point to the fact that there is a complete lack of any coordination amongst law enforcement agencies, not even the Police and the Prisons Department who report to the Home Minister.
There has been a culture of leniency toward drug related offences in the country, perhaps due to the influence on key government law enforcement and border control agencies by dealers. Drug abuse and drug dealing has been positioned as a “soft crime” that is a result of social tension and family breakups. State media has promoted the use of drugs through special programs and documentaries sympathetic to heroine addicts, for years now.
The state is also believed to be spending over Rf 1000 (USD 80) per head a day on those in custody in prison and the rehabilitation centres. Yet, proactive youth development programs are allocated less than 1 Rufiyaa (USD 0.8) per head a day, according to the Youth Minister.
The country’s social fabric is almost completely worn out, and the political leadership of the country – in transition, is busy with democracy and human rights; while the economy is also virtually at the brink of complete collapse. I simply cannot understand the use of democracy and human rights in the complete absence of law and order and civilized human existence!
The mess is so chaotic that the Will to live a decent life is no more!
Related Link: Minivan News
Smile and Let Smile 
Shihab
May 7, 2008 at 11:21 pm
@anon2: That is a very interesting perspective. I completely agree with you that there isn’t a government in our country. Atleast, one can fairly safely say that the government does not function in a manner to sufficiently fulfill its purpose.
Anonymous
May 7, 2008 at 4:28 pm
miraajeaku mihaaraku sarukaareh ney. potugeezun alhuvethikan fadha alhuvethi kamega mithibee. rayithunah konme gelumeh libunas ganduvaruga inna beyfulhaa salaamathun huriyaa enimuny. eyee human rights ey kiyaa halhylavaathy ekamak rayithun dheyn jehey agu. agaky qaanoonuge hukum nuhigun. human rights veema vaagothaky miey kiyaafa dhankan
Anonymous
May 7, 2008 at 4:21 pm
you can break the law whenever you feels like it by using whatever means. no problem. but if you challange this government or its autocratic ruler than you are a terrorist. crimes of whatever nature are tolerated if you dont cross that line, even if the people, or whole communities are terrorized and there is complete lawlessness. remeber L. isdhoo case.