Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


           Amnesty: Maldives' Rights Abuses Contrasts Paradise Image

   by VOA News

   Amnesty International is urging the international community to not
   ignore what it says is a growing human rights crisis in the Maldives.
   The London-based rights group released a report late Tuesday
   documenting targeted attacks by police on opposition supporters as well
   as bystanders at protests that were held earlier this year.
   Maldives' first democratically elected president, Mohamed Nasheed,
   resigned in February, triggering violent demonstrations by his
   supporters who said he was ousted from power.
   Amnesty International says police and military personnel used
   unnecessary force against peaceful demonstrators.
   The rights group says that despite the transfer of presidential power,
   security forces continue to commit human rights violations, including
   beatings and arbitrary detentions and that not a single criminal case
   has been filed against those responsible.
   Amnesty says forces have targeted ministers, lawmakers and supporters
   of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party.
   Last week, an internationally-backed commission determined that
   President Nasheed was not ousted in a coup but instead said the
   transfer of power was "legal and constitutional."
   The Republic of Maldives is a Muslim-majority nation made up of about
   1,200 islands scattered in the Indian ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka.
   The country is famous for its luxury beach resorts and hotels.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/amnesty-maldives-reights-abuses-contr
   asts-paradise-image/1501905.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/amnesty-maldives-reights-abuses-contrasts-paradise-image/1501905.html