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Ex-pres Maumoon’s daughter seeks India support for father’s release

Detained former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s daughter, Dunya Maumoon, has appealed neighbouring India to push for the release of her father and other relatives arrested over the alleged coup of February 1.

Fathmath Shaahunaz
02 May 2018, MVT 13:08
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom-Dhunya Maumoon-Dunya Maumoon-Maafushi Prison-Jai-Faris Maumoon
Fathmath Shaahunaz
02 May 2018, MVT 13:08

The former Minister of Foreign Affairs made the strong appeal in an interview to Deccan Chronicle newspaper during her current visit to the United Kingdom. She declared that the future of the Maldives was “uncertain” and “democracy may be failing”.

“Friends have to be there in times of need. It is important that India be with us and is seen to be with us, the Maldives and the Maldivian people in supporting the country and assisting in whichever way as possible, in a purely advisory role,” she told Deccan Chronicle.

Touching upon the political fallout between her father and estranged uncle, the incumbent president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, she urged that “both sides in the conflict have a moral obligation to set aside personal grudges and prioritize on national interest. We all have a duty to ensure that this democracy survives this crisis and we leave a better nation for the future generations.”

Dunya, who had resigned as state health minister after the arrests of father and lawmaker brother Faris Maumoon in early February, also appealed the Maldivian government to consider the former president’s age and health.

“The government, should on humanitarian grounds, allow him to move back home. He poses no threat to society, and they must consider the fact that he has served his country for so long,” she said.

She added that the detention of her relatives, including her brother-in-law Mohamed Nadeem, had been a painful time for the whole family.

“I believe my father is entirely innocent. He would not do anything that goes against the constitution and the laws of the country. That holds true for my brother and brother in law.”

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