Hilath.com

Democracy requires minority rights

2011-12-14T14:51:00.000+05:00

... Democracy therefore requires minority rights equally as it does majority rule. Indeed, as democracy is conceived today, the minority's rights must be protected no matter how singular or alienated that minority is from the majority society; otherwise, the majority's rights lose their meaning. Read more

"Islamic" "sheikh" bans women from touching 'penis-shaped' foods in case it arouses them

2011-12-14T14:20:00.003+05:00

... The cleric said that these fruits and vegetables 'resemble the male penis' and could arouse women or 'make them think of sex,' in a story reported on Egyptian news website Bikya Masr. Read more

Related story: Natural sex toys from the Local Market

Religious freedom in Islam

2011-12-14T00:47:00.002+05:00

by Dr. Zahid Aziz

This article is intended to show that Islam recognises complete freedom of religion and belief for every human being, and that, consistently with this principle, it does not prescribe any punishment whatsoever for a person who leaves the religion of Islam to adopt some other faith. Read more

ވެރިކަމާއި ޑިމޮކްރެސީ އަދި މުއްލާއިންގެ ހަތިޔާރު

2011-12-13T16:15:00.000+05:00

ލިޔުނީ : މާއޯ ހުސެއިން

ވެރިކަމުގެ ދަހިވެތިކަމުގައި ސިޔާސީފަރާތްތަކުން ދީން ހަތިޔާރަކައް ހަދާ ވާހަކައަކީ ވަރަށް ބޮޑު ހަގީގަތެކެވެ. ދީނީ ދަންނަބޭކަލުން ވެސް ދީނުގެ ނަމުގައި ސިޔާސީ ހަރަކާތްތައް ހިންގަމުން ގެންދަނީ ދީނުގެހިޔާވެހިކަން ހޯދައިގެން ތިބެމެއެވެ.

ތިރީސް އަހަރަށް ދެމިގެންދިޔަ މައުމޫނުގެ ވެރިކަން ދިފާއު ކުރުމައްޓަކައި ދީން ބޭނުން ކުރެއްވިއެވެ. އެންމެ ފަހުން ބޭއްވުނު ރިޔާސީ އިންތިޙާބުގައި ވެސް ހުރިހާ ޕާޓިތަކުން ވެސް ދީން ބޭނުންކޮށްފައިވެއެވެ. މައުމޫން ޕާޓީން ގޮވަމުން ދިޔައީ އެމް.ޑީ.ޕީއަށް ވެރިކަން ލިބިއްޖެ ނަމަ ފައްޅި އަޅާނެ ވާހަކަ އާއި ބަންގީގެ އަޑު ކެނޑޭނެ ކަމަށެވެ. ބަދަލަކަށް ގޮވަމުންދިޔަ ގައުމީ އިއްތިހާދުން ދިޔައީ މައުމޫން ކާފަރަކަށް ހަދާ، އޭނާގެ ލާދީނީ ސިޔާސަތުތަކެއް ކަމަށް އެ މީހުން ބުނާ ކަންތައްތަކަށް ވަރުގަދަ ހަމަލާ ދެމުންނެވެ.

އަދާލާތުގެ ދަންނަބޭކަލުން ވެސް އެއްއިރެއްގައި މިހާރުގެ ރައީސް މުހަންމަދު ނަޝީދަކީ އެ މީހުން ގަބޫލު ކުރާވަރުގެ އިސްލާމަކަށް ނުވި ކަމުގައި ވިޔަސް އަދާލަތުން ކޯލިޝަން ހެދި ޖުމްހޫރީ ޕާޓީގެ ކެނޑިޑޭޓަށް ފުރަތަމަ ބުރުން އެކަށީގެންވާ ކާމިޔާބު ނުލިބުމުން އަދާލަތުގެ ނިންމުން ބަދަލުކޮށް، މުހަންމަދު ނަޝީދަކީ ފުދޭވަރެއްގެ ރަގަޅު އިސްލާމެއް ކަމަށް ނިންމައި، މުހަންމަދު ނަޝީދަށް ވެރިކަން ދެއްވާތޯ ކަލާނގެ ހަޒުރަތުގައި ރޮއެ އާދޭސްކުރަމުން ދިޔައިރުގައި އެ ޝެއިޚުންގެ ތަގުވާވެރި ކަމާމެދު ދިވެހި ރައްޔިތުން ތިބީ ޝައްކު އުފެދިފައެވެ. ޝެއިޚުން ކުރާ ދުއާ އިޖާބަ ކުރެއްވުން ކައިރިކަމުން ކަންނޭނގެ ނޫންތޯއެވެ ނަޝީދުއަށް ވެރިކަން މިންވަރު ކުރެއްވީ، އެހެން ނޫންތޯއެވެ؟

އަޒުހަރުން ކިޔަވާ ވިދާޅުވި އިލްމްވެރިޔާގެ 30 އަހަރުގެ ވެރިކަމުގެ ތަޖްރިބާގެ އަލީގައި ދީނީ އިލްމްވެރިން ވެރިކަން ކުރުމަކީ ނަތީޖާ ރަގަޅު ނޫން ކަމެއްކަން ދިވެހިންނަށް ވަނީ ކަށަވަރުވެފައެވެ. ވެރިކަން ލިބުމުގެ ކުރީގައި ބަނގުރަލުގެ ހުކުން ހާމަކުރުމުން އެއިރުގެ ވެރިޔާ މައުމޫނު އަރުވާލެއްވިއެވެ. ޚުދު އެ މަނިކުފާނު ވެރިކަމަށް އައުމުން ރަލުގެ ހުކުން "ބަދަލުވެ" ކާފަރުން ބޯން އެތެރެ ކުރުމަކީ ހަލާލު ކަމަކަށްވެ، މުޅި ރާއްޖޭގައި ރާ ފެތުރިގެންދިޔައެވެ. މި ފިލާވަޅުން ވެސް އެނގެނީ އެ ވަގުތަކާ ގުޅޭ ގޮތަށް ދީނުގެ ހުކުން ވެރިކަމުގެ ބޭނުމުގައި ބޭނުން ކުރެއްވިކަމެވެ.

ދިވެހިންގެ ތެރެއިން ގިނަ ބަޔަކު ދީނީ އިލްމްވެރިން އެ ބައިމީހުންގެ މައްޗަށް ވެރިކަން ކުރުމަށް ބޭނޫން ނުވާކަމުގެ ދަލީލަކީ ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލިސްގެ އިންތިޚާބުގައި ދީނީ މީހުންނަށް މާބޮޑު ކާމިޔާބީއެއް ލިބިފައި ނުވުމެވެ. ޝައިޚް އިލްޔާސްމެން ފަދަ އިލްމްވެރިން ވަރަށް އިތުބާރާ އެއްކޮށް އާދައިގެ ދާއިރާއަކަށް ކުރިމަތިލައިގެން ތަޖުރިބާ ކުރަން ޖެހުނީ ވަރަށްހިތި ނަތީޖާއަކާއެވެ. ނަޝީދަށް ވެރިކަމަށް އާދެވުނީ ތިމަންނަމެން ދުއާ ކުރުމުންނޭ ބުނެ ފޮނިކެނޑި މީހުންނަށް މިވީ ކިހިނެއްތޯއެވެ؟ ކަލާނގެ މި ފަހަރު ބީރުކަންފަތެއް ދެއްވީތޯއެވެ؟

ޑިމޮކްރެސީ ހަރާންކޮށް، ސިޔާސީ ކަންތަކުން ދުރުވެ އިލްމްވެރިން ވެސް މިހާރު މި ތިބީ ވެރިކަމާ ހެދި ކޮންމެ ފަދަ ކަމެއް ކުރަން ވެސް ތައްޔާރަށެވެ.

ދީނީ އިލްމްވެރިންގެ ނަޒަރުގައި ދުނިޔޭގެ ހުރިހާ މައްސަލަތަކުގެ ހައްލަކީ އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީއަތެވެ. އެ ޝަރީއަތް ގާއިމް ކުރެވިއްޖެ ނަމަ މި ރާއްޖޭގައި ވެސް ހަމަ ކުއްލިއަކަށް ހުރިހާ ކަމެއް ހައްލު ވެގެންދާނެ ކަމަށް އެ މީހުން ބުނެއެވެ. އެހެންނަމަވެސް ފުރިހަމަ އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީއަތެއް ގާއިމު ކުރާ އެއްވެސް ގައުމެއް މި ދުނިޔޭގައި ނުވެއެވެ. ވައްހާބީ ދީނުގެ ބަލަދުވެރިޔާ ކަމަށްވާ ސައުދީ އަރަބިއްޔާގައި ވެސް މިހާރު މެދުއިރުމައްޗަށް އައިސްގެން އުޅޭ "އަރަބި ބަހާރުމޫސުމު"ގެ އަސަރު ކުރަމުން ދާއިރު، މުޅި ގައުމަކީ ތިމާމެންގެ އަމިއްލަ މިލްކެއް ކަމަށް ގަބޫލު ކުރާ "އިސްރާފު ބޯޑު" (ތެޔޮ ވިއްކައިގެން ލިބޭ ލާރިން ޔޫރަޕްގެ ރަނޑިން ޕްރައިވެޓް ޖެޓްތަކުގައި ގެނެސް މަޖާ ނަގާ) ސައުދު އާއިލާގެ ރަސްކަމުގެ ޚާންދާން ވަނީ ބިރުވެރިކަމެއްގެ ތެރޭގައެވެ.

އަފްޣާނިސްތާނުގައި ތޯލިބާނުން ވެރިކަން ކުރި މަދު ދުވަސްކޮޅުގައި އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީއަތް ކަމަށް ބުނެ ބޮޑެތި ޖަރީމާތައް ހިންގާ، އެ ތާނގެ ރައްޔިތުންނަށް ބޮޑު އާފާތެއް އެބައިމީހުން ކުރިމަތިކުރުވިއެވެ. އަދި ސޯމާލިޔާގައި ވެސް އެއްވެސް އިންތިޒާމެއް ނެތި ނިކަމެތި އަންހެނުން ރަޖަމްކޮށް، މީހުންގެ ގުނަވަންތައް ބުރިކޮށް ހެދީމާ އެ ގައުމުގައި ހުރިހާ ކަމެއް އެ ދަނީ އެންމެ ފުރިހަމަ ގޮތުގައި ބާވައެވެ؟

އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީއަތް ގާއިމު ކުރަން ބަލާލާއިރު ގިނަ ހަދީސްތަކުގެ ސައްހަކަމާމެދު ސުވާލު އުފެދެއެވެ. ވަގު ހަދީސެއްގެ އަލީގައި ގާޒީ ހުކުމެއް ކޮށްފިއްޔާ ދެން ވާނީ ކިހިނެއްތޯއެވެ. އެ ބޭނުން ކުރެވުނު ހަދީސްގެ ސައްހަކަން ނުވަތަ އިދިކޮޅު ސާބިތު ކުރެވޭނެ ގޮތެއް އޮންނާނެތޯއެވެ. މިފަދަ ބަހުސެއް ކުރެވިއްޖެ ނަމަ އެ ބަހުސް ކުރި ހުރިހާ ބަޔަކު ކާފަރު ނުވެ ނުދާނެއެވެ. މީގެ އިތުރުން ގުރްއާން މާނަ ކުރުމުގެ މައްސަލަ ވެސް ދިމާވާނެއެވެ.

ނިކަމެތި ފަގީރު އަންހެން ކުއްޖަކު ކައިވެނި ނުކޮށް ވިހެއީމާ އޭނާގެ ފޫކޮޅުގައި 100 އެތިފަހަރު އަޅުވާލާ، އޭނާގެޝަރަފު ނަގާލުމަށް މި ވަހުށީ ދަންނަބޭކަލުން ހާދަ ފޯރިއެއް ހުރޭ، އެހެން ނޫންތޯއެވެ؟ އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީއަތުގައި އެންމެ ނަމާދެއް އަޅައިފި މީހާ ވެސް ކާފަރުވާނެ ކަމަށް ޝޭހް ޝަހީމް އެބަ ވިދާޅުވެއެވެ. އެކަމަކު މިވެރިން ނަމާދު އަޅާ މީހުން ފަހަތުން ނުދުވަނީ ކީއްވެގެން ހެއްޔެވެ؟ ޒަކާތް ނުދިނީމާ އެކަކު ވެސް ކަންބޮޑެއް ނުވެއެވެ. އެކަމަކު ޕިއްލޭ "ހިއުމަން ރައިޓްސް" އޭ ދުލުން ބޭރުކުރި ހިނދުން ފެށިގެން ހީވަނީ މުޅި ދުނިޔެ ގިޔާމަތް ވެގެން އުޅޭހެންނެވެ. މިއީ ފަހެ ދީން ސިޔާސަ ކުރުން ނޫން ދެން ކޮން ކަމެއްތޯއެވެ؟

ދީނީ ދަންނަބޭކަލުން އެ މީހުންގެ މަގާމުގައި ތިބުމަށާއި ސިޔާސީ ހަޑިމުޑުދާރު ޒުވާބުގައި ބައިވެރި ނުވުމަކީ ދީނަށާއި އަދި ރާއްޖެއަށް އެންމެ ފައިދާ ހުރި ގޮތެވެ. ދީނުގައިވާ ހުކުންތައް ކިޔައިދިނުމަކީ މައްސަލައެއް ނޫނެވެ. ތަބާވާން ތިބި ބަޔަކު ތަބާ ނުވެއްޖެ ނަމަ އެ ބަޔަކަށް އަޒާބު ހުއްޓެވެ.

ޑިސެމްބަރު 23 ގައި ބާއްވާ "އިސްލާމް ދީން ހިމާޔަތްކުރުން" މުޒާހަރާގެ ފޮރުވިފައިވާ ހަގީގަތް

2011-12-12T10:48:00.015+05:00

ލިޔުނީ: ހިލްއަތު ރަޝީދު

މިނިވަން ނޫހަށް ލިޔާ ޔާމީން ރަޝީދުގެ އަމިއްލަ ބްލޮގްގައި އޭނާ ލިޔެފައިވާ ތަހުގީގު ރިޕޯޓަށް ބަލާއިރު ދުނިޔޭގެ އިންސާނީ ހައްގުތަކާ ބެހޭ ދުވަސް ކަމަށްވާ ޑިސެމްބަރު 10 ގައި އާޓިފިޝަލް ބީޗުގައި ދިވެހި ރާއްޖޭގައި ދީނީ މިނިވަން ކަމަށް ގޮވާލާ އިށީނދެއިނދެގެން ހަނުހިމޭނުން ބޭއްވި މުޒާހަރާގެ ބައިވެރިން މަރާލަން ޕީޕީއެމް އާއި ޖަމިއްޔަތުއް ސަލަފާއި އަދާލަތުގެ ރޯލެއް ވާކަމުގެ ހެކިތައް އެބަހުއްޓެވެ.

މުޒާހަރާއަށް ދިއުމުގެ ދެ ދުވަސް ކުރިން އެއް ބައިވެރިއެއް ކަމަށްވާ އައިމިނަތު ސުލްތޯނާ ވަނީ ޕީޕީއެމްގައި މިހާރު ހުރި ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ މެންބަރަކު އަމިއްލަ ބައްދަލުވުމަކަށް ގެންގޮސްފައެވެ. އެހެން މީހަކު މެދުވެރިވެގެން ބޭއްވި މި ބައްދަލުވުމުގައި ސުލްތޯނާ ކައިރީގައި ބުނެފައިވަނީ މި މުޒާހަރާއަށް ނުކުންނަ މީހުންނަށް ހަމަލަ ދޭނެ ކަމަށާއި ވަކިން ޚާއްސަކޮށް، ކުރިން ދީން ދޫކޮށްލި ކަމަށް މަޝްހޫރުވި ނާޒިމް އާއި އަޅުގަނޑު ހިއްލަތު ފެނިއްޖެ ނަމަ، ހިފާލާނީ މަރާލަން ކަމަށެވެ.

ކޮންމެއަކަސް ސުލްތޯނާގެ ތިމާގެ އަންހެންކުއްޖަކާ ގުޅުން އޮންނަ މެލޭޝިޔާގައި ހުންނަ ދިވެހި ފިރިހެނެއްގެ ފަރާތުން ވެސް ވަރަށް ފާޅުކަން ބޮޑު ގޮތެއްގައި މިކަން ވަނީ ފަޅާއަރައިފައެވެ. ޒާހިދު ނަމަކަށް ކިޔާ މިމީހާއަކީ އަޅުގަނޑު ހިއްލަތަށް ކިތައްމެ ފަހަރަކު މަރުގެ އިންޒާރު ދީފައިވާ މީހެކެވެ. ޕީ.އޭގެ ޔާމީނާ ގުޅުން އޮންނަ މި މީހާ ސުލްތޯނާ ގާތުގައި ބުނެފައިވާ ގޮތުގައި މި މުޒާހަރާ ކައިރިން ހިއްލަތު ފެނިއްޖެ ނަމަ، "އެ މީހުން" ނިންމާފައި އޮތީ އަޅުގަނޑު މަރާލާށެވެ. މި މައުލޫމާތު ދިން ކަމަށް އޭނާ އެއްބަސްވެފައިވަނީ ޖަމިއްޔަތުއް ސަލަފުގެ ރޫހީ ލީޑަރު އަދި ކުރީގެ މަޝްހޫރު ދިވެހި ލަވަކިޔުންތެރިޔާ އަލީ ރަމީޒެވެ.

ގާނޫނުގައި ބަޔާން ކުރެވިފައި އޮތަސް ނެތަސް މީހަކުގެ ފުރާނައަށް ގެއްލުންވާ ފަދަ ކަމެއް އެހެން ބަޔަކު ރާވާ ނަމަ، އެ ކަމެއް އެމީހަކުގެ އިތުރުން ސަރުކާރުގެ ކަމާ ބެހޭ ފަރާތަށް އެންގުމަކީ ދުނިޔަވީ އަދި ދީނީ ވެސް ވާޖިބެކެވެ. ނަމަވެސް އަލީ ރަމީޒަށް މި މައުލޫމާތު ލިބި ހުރެ، އެކަން ސިއްރުކޮށް، އަދި މި ރޭވުން ރޭވި މީހުންގެ ރޭވުން ކުރިއަށް ގެންދިއުމަށް ފުރުސަތު ދިނުމުން، މިއޮތް ހުރިހާ ދުވަހު ސަލަފާމެދު ގިނަ ދިވެހިން ޝައްކު ކުރަމުން އައި ހަގީގަތް ހާމަވީއެވެ.

އަލީ ރަމީޒު ލަވަކިޔުން ހުއްޓާލާފައި ތުނބުޅި ދިގުކޮށް އަދި ފައިކުރި ކުރުކުރި ދުވަސްކޮޅު ވެސް އަޅުގަނޑުގެ ރައްޓެހި ނޫސްވެރިއެއްގެ ގާތުގައި ވަރަށް ނާމާން ވާހަކައެއް ބުނެފައިވެއެވެ. އޭނާ ބުނީ "ހިއްލަތާ މިހާރު ގުޅުން ނުބަހައްޓަނީ ތިމަންމެން (ސަލަފުގެ) މިންގަނޑުން އޭނާ މިހާރު އެހުރީ ކުފުރުވެފައިވާ ކަމަށާއި އެހެންކަމުން އޭނާއާ ގުޅުން ނުބެހެއްޓޭނެ ކަމަށާއި އަދި އޭނާ ޖެހޭނީ މަރާލަން" ކަމަށެވެ.

ކީރިތި ގުރުއާނުގައި ވަރަށް ސަރީހަ އިބާރާތުން އެނގޭ ގޮތުގައި އިސްލާމް ދީނަށް ވެއްދުމަށް ވެސް އަދި އެ ދީނަށް އުޅުމަށް ވެސް އެއްވެސް މަޖުބޫރު ކަމެއް ނެތެވެ. މިއީ ބުއްދިން ވިސްނާލިޔަސް އެކަން އޮންނަން ޖެހޭނެ ގޮތްކަން ފާޅުވެއެވެ. "ދީނުގައި މަޖުބޫރު ކަމެއް ނެތޭ" ކީރިތި ގުރުއާނުގައި އޮތުމުން އެނގޭ ގޮތުގައި އެއްވެސް ދީނެއް މަޖުބޫރުން ފަތުރަން އުޅެފި ނަމަ، މީހުން އެދީނަކަށް ނަފުރަތު ކުރާނެއެވެ.

އިސްލާމީ ތާރީޚުން އެނގޭ ގޮތުގައި ވެސް ދީން ދޫކޮށްލާ ކޮންމެ މީހަކު ކަތިލާކަށް ކީރިތި ރަސޫލާ ހުއްދައެއް ނުދެއްވައެވެ. ޑރ. ޒާކިރު ނައިކު ވިދާޅުވިހެން ރާއްޖެ ފަދަ ތަނެއްގައި މައިންބަފައިންގެ ނުވަތަ މުޖުތަމައުގެ ޕްރެޝަރުގެ ސަބަބުން ކޮންމެ ދިވެއްސަކު ބޮޑުވަނީ އިސްލާމް ދީން ދަސްކޮށްދީގެން ކަމަށް ވިޔަސް އޭނާ ފުރާފުރިހަމަވެ، އަމިއްލައަށް ވިސްނޭވަރުވުމުން އޭނާ ބޭނުން ދީނެއް އިޚުތިޔާރު ކުރެވޭނެއެވެ. އަދި އޭނާ އިސްލާމް ދީނާ ސިދާ ފާޅުގައި ދެކޮޅަށް ނުނުކުންނަ ހިނދަކު އޭނާއާ އެހެން ބަޔަކު ދިމާ ކުރާކަށް ނުޖެހެއެވެ.

ދީނީ މިނިވަންކަމަށް ގޮވާލާ ކޮންމެ ދިވެއްސަކަށް "އިސްލާމް ދީނަށް ފުރައްސާރަ ކުރާ" ލަގަބު ސަލަފާއި އަދާލަތުން އަޅުވަނީ އެހެން މީހުންގެ ލެޔަށް މިމީހުން ކަރުހިއްކައިގެންފައި ތިބޭލެއް ބޮޑުކަމުންނެވެ. ހަގީގަތަކީ މި ބައިގަނޑަކީ އިސްލާމް ދީން އޮޅިފައި ނުވަތަ ގަސްދުގައި އޮޅުވާލައިގެން އާރާއިބާރު ހޯދަން އުޅޭ މުނާފިގުންތަކެއް ކަމެވެ. މިއީ ކޮންމެ ދިވެއްސަކު މިއަދު ހުށިޔާރުވާން ޖެހިފައިވާ ނުރައްކާތެރި އަދި އަނިޔާވެރި ބައިގަނޑެކެވެ. ދިވެހި ސަރުކާރުގައި ވެސް އަދި އެހެން ތަނެއްގައި ވެސް އިސްލާމް ދީނަށް ފުރައްސާރަ ކުރާ ބައެއް ނޫޅެއެވެ. ތެދެކެވެ. އިސްލާމް ދީން ދޫކޮށްލަން ބޭނުންވާ އަދި އެހެން ދީންތަކަށް އުޅެން ބޭނުންވާ އެތައް ދިވެހިންނެއް އެކަން ހާމަކުރަން ނުކެރިފައި މިހާރު ވެސް އެބަތިއްބެވެ. އަދި އެކަން އެމީހުންގެ އަމިއްލަ ބްލޮގުތަކާއި ފޭސްބުކްގައި ލިޔުމަކުން އެއީ އިސްލާމް ދީނަށް ފުރައްސާރަ ކުރެވުނީ ކަމަކަށް ނުވާނެއެވެ.

ނަމަވެސް އިސްލާމިކް މިނިސްޓްރީ ކޮންޓްރޯލް ކުރާ އަދާލަތުން ވަނީ ކޮމިއުނިކޭޝަން އޮތޯރިޓީއަށް އަންގައިގެން، މި ބްލޮގް ހިންގާ ހިއްލަތަކީ ވެސް އިސްލާމް ދީނަށް ފުރައްސާރަ ކުރާ މީހެއް ކަމަށް ލޭބަލްކޮށް، 19 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2011 އިން ފެށިގެން މި ބްލޮގް ރާއްޖޭގައި މަނާކޮށްފައެވެ. އަދި ކުރިން ދިވެހި އޮބްޒާވަރ އަށް މައުމޫން ހަދައިލިހެން ރާއްޖޭގައި ބްލޮކް ކޮށްފައެވެ.

ހަގީގަތަކީ ދިވެހި ރާއްޖެއަކީ އެއްވެސް އިރެއްގައި 100 ޕަސެންޓް އިސްލާމީ ގައުމެއް ނޫން ކަމެވެ. ދިވެހި ތާރީޚުން އެނގޭ ގޮތުގައި "100 ޕަސެންޓް" ގާއިމު ކޮށްފައި ވަނީ އިސްލާމް ދީނަށް ވަންނަން ދެކޮޅުހެދި އެތައް ދިވެހި ބުދިސްތު ފާދިރީންނާއި އަމިއްލަ މީހުން ރަސްގެފާނުގެ އަމުރަށް ކަތިލައިގެންނެވެ. އަދި މިހެންވެ މިވީ 900 އަހަރުގެ ތެރޭގައި އެހެން ދީންތަކަށް އުޅޭ ދިވެހިންނަށް އުޅެން ޖެހިފައިވަނީ އެމީހުންގެ ފުރާނަ ސަލާމަތް ކުރުމަށްޓަކައި އެމީހުންގެ ހަގީގީ ދީން ހިތު ތެރޭގައި ފޮރުވައިގެން ބޭރު ފުށުން އިސްލާމް ކަމަށް ހެދިގެންނެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން ރާއްޖެއަށް މިއަދު ދީނީ މިނިވަންކަން ގެނައުމަކީ ކޮންމެ ހަގީގީ މުސްލިމެއްގެ ވާޖިބެކެވެ. އަދި ކޮންމެ އިސްލާމީ ސަރުކާރެއްގެ ވެސް ވާޖިބެކެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން ރާއްޖެއަށް ދީނީ މިނިވަންކަން ގެނައުމަކީ ސަރުކާރު މިހާރު ހިންގާ އެމްޑީޕީއަށް ވެސް އޮތް ދީނީ ވާޖިބެކެވެ.

ހޮނިހިރު ދުވަހު އާޓިފިޝަލް ބީޗުގައި އޮތް މުޒާހަރާ ރޭވީ، އަދާލަތުން ކޮންމެ ތުހުމަތެއް ކުރި ނަމަވެސް، އަހަރެންނެއް ނޫނެވެ. އެކަން ކުރީ އެއް ހިޔާލެއްގެ އެތައް ބަޔަކު ދެތިން އަހަރު ފޭސްބުކުން ދިމާވޭވެ، "ދެން ފުދިއްޖެ" މިކަހަލަ ނަފުސާނީ ސްޓޭޖަކަށް ދިއުމުންނެވެ. ތެދެކެވެ. 1997 ގައި މައުމޫންގެ ހީލަތްތެރިކަމުން ސިޔާސީ ބޭނުންތަކަކަށްޓަކައި ވަނީ އިންސާނީ އެންމެ އަސާސީ ހައްގެއް ކަމަށްވާ އެމީހަކަށް ވިސްނޭ ދީނަކަށް އުޅުމުގެ ހައްގު ނިގުޅައިގަނެ، ހުރިހާ ދިވެހި ރައްޔިތުން ވާން ޖެހޭނީ ސުންނީ މުސްލިމުން ކަމަށް ކަނޑައަޅައިފައެވެ. އދ.ގެ އިންސާނީ ހައްގުތަކާ ބެހޭ ކަމިޝަނަރު ނަވީ ޕިއްލޭ ވެސް ކަންބޮޑުވުން ފާޅު ކުރީ މިކަމާއެވެ. މައުމޫން އަކީ މުސްލިމެއް ކަމަށް ދައުވާކުރާއިރު، ހަމަ ދިވެހި މުސްލިމް އަޚުންނާއި އުޚުތުންނަށް ޖަލުތަކުގައާއި އެހެނިހެން ގޮތްގޮތުން ނަފުސާނީ އަދި ޖިސްމާނީ އަނިޔާކޮށްފައި ވުމުން މިއީ މައުމޫންގެ ދީންވެރިކަމާމެދު ދިވެހިން ހުށިޔާރުވާން ޖެހޭ ކަމެކެވެ. އަދި މައުމޫނަށް ތާއީދު ކުރާ އަދި މައުމޫންގެ ފައިސާގައި ޖެހިފައިވާ ދިވެހިންގެ ދީންވެރިކަމާ މެދު ވެސް ޝައްކު ކުރެވޭ ކަމެކެވެ.

މިކަމުގައި ފާހަގަ ކުރެވޭ އަނެއް ހަމަ ނުޖެހޭ ކަމަކީ މައުމޫންގެ ޕީޕީއެމް އާއި އެ މީހުންނާ މިހާރު ގުޅިފައިވާ އައުވާނުން ކަމަށްވާ އަދާލަތާއި ސަލަފުން، އެމީހުން ބޭނުންވާ މަގުސަދުތައް ހާސިލު ކުރުމުގައި، ބައެއް ފަހަރު ޑިމޮކްރެސީ އާއި ދިވެހި ގާނޫނު އަސާސީ އަކީ އިސްލާމް ދީނާ ޚިލާފު ލާދީނީ އެއްޗެއް ކަމަށް ބުނެފައި، އަނެއް ބައި ފަހަރު އިސްލާމް ދީނަށް ވުރެ ދިވެހި ގާނޫނޫ އަސާސީ ފުރިހަމަ ކަމަށް ދައުވާ ކުރުމެވެ. މިސާލަކަށް، ދީނީ މިނިވަން ކަމަކީ އިސްލާމް ދީނުގައި ހިމާޔަތް ކުރެވިފައިވާ ކަމަކަށް ވާއިރު، ރާއްޖޭގައި އެހެން ދީންތަކަށް ފުރުސަތު އޮންނަން ޖެހޭނެ ކަމަށް ހަމަ ދިވެހިންގެ ބަޔަކު ބުނާއިރަށް، އިސްލާމް ދީން އެއް ފަރާތް ކޮށްފައި ދިވެހި ގާނޫނު އަސާސީ މާމޮޅު އަދި މާ މަތިވެރި ކަމަށް ބުނުމެވެ. ހަގީގަތަކީ ދިވެހިންނަށް ވިޔަސް އެހެން ބަޔަކަށް ވިޔަސް ދީނީ މިނިވަންކަން ނުލިއްބައިދޭހާ ހިނދަކު ދިވެހި ގާނޫނު އަސާސީ އަކީ އިސްލާމް ދީނާ ޚިލާފު އެއްޗެއް ކަމެވެ.

މިހާރު މިއޮތް (މައުމޫން ހެދި) ގާނޫނު އަސާސީން އަނެއްކާވެސް ޣައިރު ދީންތަކުގެ ދިވެހިންނަށް ލިބުނީ މާޔޫސް ކަމެކެވެ. ދިވެހި މުސްކުޅި ޖީލުގައި އަދިވެސް އިރަށާއި އަލިފާނަށާއި ފިރިހެނާގެ ޖިންސީ ގުނަވަނަށާއި އަދި މި ނޫން ވެސް އެތައްއެތައް އެއްޗެއްސަށް އަޅުކަން ކުރާ މީހުން އުޅެއެވެ. އަދި ދިވެހި ޒުވާނުންގެ ތެރޭގައި އެތައް ސަތޭކަ ކްރިސްޓިއަނުންނާއި ބުދިސްތުންނާއި އަދި ހިންދީން ވެސް އުޅެއެވެ. އަދި އެއްވެސް ދީނެއް ގަބޫލު ނުކުރާ އެތައް ބައިވަރު މީހުން ވެސް އެބައުޅެއެވެ. މިހެން ބުނަން މި ޖެހެނީ 1996 އިން ފެށިގެން އަހަރެން ނޫސްވެރިކަމުގެ ހަޔާތުގައި ރާއްޖެތެރެއަށް ކުރި ދަތުރުތަކުގައި މިފަދަ އެތައްއެތައް މީހުންނާ ދިމާވެ، މިމީހުންގެ ހަގީގަތް މިމީހުންގެ އަމިއްލަ ދުލުން އަހަރެންނަށް ސިއްރިޔާތުގައި ކިޔައިދީފައީވާތީއެވެ. ރާއްޖެ އަކީ އެއް އިރެއްގައި ވެސް 100 ޕަސެންޓް އިސްލާމީ ގައުމެއް ނޫނެވެ. މިއީ ބުއްދި ގަބޫލު ކުރެވޭނެ ކަމެއް ވެސް ނޫނެވެ. ދީނީ ކަންކަމުގައި ވިޔަސް އަދި ދުނިޔަވީ ކަންކަމުގައި ވިޔަސް އެއްވެސް ދެ އިންސާނެއްގެ ވިސްނުން އެއްގޮތެއް ނުވާނެއެވެ.

ތެދެކެވެ. ފިނޑިކަމުން މުނާފިގުކަމުން ފާޅުގައި އެއްވެސް ކަމެއް ކުރާކަށް ނުކެރި ހުރެދާނެއެވެ. ނަމަވެސް އިޝާ ނަމާދަށް ފަހު ގެއަށްވަދެ ފަތިސް ވަންދެން އޮންނަނީ ބުރުގާތަކާއި ތްރީކްއާޓްތައް ބޭލުމަށްފަހު އެމީހަކު ހިތުހުރި ގޮތަކަށް އުޅުމެވެ. އެކިއެކި އެއްޗެހި ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން މަސްތުވުމާއި ޒިނޭ ކުރުމާއި އެއްޖިންސުން ގުޅުން ހިންގުމާއި އަދި ގްރޫޕްގްރޫޕަށް ވެސް މިކަންކަން ބޭއްވުމެވެ. އަދި ގޭތެރޭގައި އަންހެނުންނަށާއި ދަރިންނަށް އެކި ކަހަލަ ނަފުސާނީ އަދި ޖިސްމާނީ އަނިޔާތައް ދިނުމެވެ. ދެން، މި އުޅެވޭ ހައްދުފަހަނަޅާ ދިރިއުޅުމާހެދި ދުވަހަކު ވެސް ސުވަރުގެ ނުގޮސްފާނެ ކަމަށް ބިރު ހީވާތީ އާއި އަދި މަންމަ ބައްޕަ ބުނާތީވެ "ފާފަތައް ސާފުކޮށްލުމަށްޓަކައި" ކޮންމެ ހަފުތާއަކު އެއްފަހަރު ހުކުރަށް ގޮސްލާފާނެއެވެ. ނަމަވެސް ހަމަ ގިނަ ދިވެހިންނަށް ލޮލުން މަންޒަރު ފެންނާނެ ފަދައިން މާލޭގައި ވެސް އަދި ރާއްޖެ ތެރޭގައި ވެސް ގިނަ މީހުން ހުކުރަށް ޖައްސަނީ ފޭކެވެ. މާލޭގައި ހުކުރު ނިމެންދެން ބޮޑުތަކުރުފާނު މަގުގައި ޒުވާނުން ސައިކަލު ބުރު ޖަހާނެއެވެ. ރާއްޖެތެރޭގައި މިސްކިތްދޮށުގައި ތިބެތިބެފައި ހިނގައިދާނެއެވެ. ދެން "އަލިފެއް"ހެން ގެއަށް ދިއުމުން، "ހާދަ ބަސްއަހާ ދަރިއެކޭ" ނުވަތަ "ހާދަ ރަނގަޅު ފިރިއެކޭ" ހިތާ މީރުކޮށް ކާއެއްޗެހި ހަދާފައި ކާންދޭނެއެވެ.

ބަޔަކު އެހެން ދީނަކަށް އުޅުނަސް އެމީހުންނާ ދެކޮޅަށް ޖަރީމާ ހިންގުމަކީ އިސްލާމް ދީން ކަނޑައެޅިގެން ދެކޮޅު ކަމެކެވެ. އިސްލާމީ ސަރުކާރުތައް އޮންނަ ކޮންމެ ގައުމެއްގައި ވެސް، އެ ގައުމުގައި އިސްލާމް ދީނަށް ނޫޅޭ މައިނޯރިޓީތަކުގެ ހައްގުތައް ހިމާޔަތް ކުރަން ޖެހޭ ކަމީ، މަދީނާގައި ގާއިމު ކުރެވުނު ފުރަތަމަ އިސްލާމީ ދައުލަތުން ވެސް އެނގޭ ކަމެކެވެ. ތަނެއްގައި އެހެން ދީނަކަށް އެހެން ބަޔަކު އުޅުމަކީ އެތަނެއްގެ އިސްލާމީ ސިފައާއި ވަހުދަތު ގެއްލޭ ކަމެއް ނޫނެވެ. ސަބަބަކީ ޣައިރު ދީނަށް އުޅޭ މީހުންގެ ހައްގުތައް ރައްކާތެރި ކުރުމަށް އިސްލާމް ދީނުގައި އަންގާފައިވުމުން އެނގޭ ކަމަކީ އެހެން ދީންތަކުގެ މީހުންނާމެދު ކޮންމެހެން ނަފުރަތު ކުރާކަށް މާތްކަލާނގެ ގޮވާނުލައްވާ ކަމެވެ.

ހިންދީއަކާ ކައިވެނިކޮށްގެން އުޅޭ ބޮލީވުޑްގެ މުސްލިމް ތަރި ޝާހު ރުކު ޚާނާއި އަދި އޭގެކުރިން މަހާތުމާ ގާނދީ ވެސް ބުނެފައިވާ ފަދައިން ހުރިހާ އެންމެން ވެސް އަޅުކަން ކުރަނީ އެއް ފަރާތަކަށެވެ. ނޫން ނަމަ މި ހޯދަން މަސައްކަތް ކުރަނީ ހަމަ އެންމެ މަގެކެވެ. ނަމަވެސް އެ މަގަށް ވާސިލު ވުމަށް އެކި މީހުން ހިޔާރު ކުރަނީ އެމީހަކަށް ވިސްނޭ އެންމެ މޮޅު މަގެކެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން ތިމާއަށް ތިމާއަށް ވިސްނޭ ދީނަކީ އެންމެ މޮޅު އަދި އެންމެ ހަމަ ޖެހޭ ދީން ކަމަށް ވިޔަސް، އެހެން ދީންތަކަށް އުޅޭ މީހުން ކަޑަކޮށްލައި، އެމީހުންނަށް ފުރައްސާރަކޮށް، އެމީހުން ކަތިލަން ދުވުމަކީ ހަމަޖެހޭ ކަމެއް ނޫނެވެ. ޔޫރަޕްގައި ގަދަކަމުން ނަސޯރާ ދީން ފަތުރަން އުޅުމުން އެތައް މިލިއަން ބައެއްގެ ލޭއޮހޮރިފައިވާ ތާރީޚުގެ މަގުން އިސްލާމީ ސަރުކާރުތަކުން ކަންތައް ކުރި ނަމަ، މާނައީ ކަނޑިން ދީން ފެތުރި ނަމަ، އިސްލާމް ދީނާ މެދު މިއަދު ދުނިޔޭގެ ގިނަ ބަޔަކު ކުރާނީ ނަފުރަތެވެ. މިއަދު އިސްލާމް ދީން އެހާ ހަލުއި ބާރު މިނެއްގައި ދުނިޔޭގައި ފެތުރެމުން ނުދިޔައީހެވެ. ސަބަބަކީ މަޖުބޫރުން ކުރަން ޖެހޭ އެއްވެސް ކަމަކީ ހަމަޖެހޭ ކަމެއް ކަމަކަށް އެއްވެސް އިންސާނަކަށް ބުއްދި ގަބޫލު ނުކުރެވޭނެތީއެވެ.

އެހެންކަމުން ރާއްޖެ ފަދަ ކުޑަ ތަނެއްގައި އެހެން ދީންތައް އޮވެއްޖެ ނަމަ ހަމަ ނުޖެހުމާއި ލޭއޮހޮރުވުން ހިނގާނެ ކަމަށް ދިވެހިން ބިރުގެންނެވުމަކީ ހަމަޖެހޭ ކަމެއް ނޫނެވެ. ހަމަ ސިޔާސީ ކަމަކަށް ބޭނުން ކުރާ އުކުޅެކެވެ. އަދި ހޮނިހިރު ދުވަހު ދީނީ މިނިވަންކަމަށް ގޮވާލި މީހުންނަށް، ޕީޕީއެމް އާއި އަދާލަތާއި ސަލަފުން ރާވައިގެން ބޮޑެތި ގާބުރިތަކެއް ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން ސީދާ މާރާމާރި ހިންގައި، ހަމަލަ ދިނީ ވެސް މިކަން "ސާބިތު"ކޮށްދޭށެވެ. ދިވެހި ބައެއް ނޫސްތަކުގައި "ގާއުކީ"އޭ އޮތުމަކީ ބޮޑު އޮޅުމެކެވެ. ނުވަތަ އޮޅުވާލުމެކެވެ. "މާރާމާރި" ހިންގި ކަމަށް މި ނޫސްތަކަށް ރިޕޯޓް ކުރަން ނުކެރުނީ މި ސަލަފު ގޭންގްސްޓާރުންތައް ދެކެ ގަންނަ ބިރެއްގެ ބޮޑުކަމުން ކަމަށް، އެހެންކަމުން، ލަފާކުރެވެއެވެ.

ހަގީގަތަކީ ރާއްޖޭގައި ކޮންމެ ދީނެއްގެ ފައްޅިއެއް ހުއްޓަސް، އަދި ކޮންމެ ދިވެއްސަކު އެމީހަކު ބޭނުންވާ ދީނަކަށް ފާޅުގައި އުޅުނަސް، އެއީ އޭގެން އެހެން މީހަކަށް ގެއްލުމެއް ލިބޭނެ ކަމެއް ނޫނެވެ. އެއީ އެމީހާގެ ގަޔަށް ބޮލަށް މުދަލަށް އަރައިގަންނަންވީ ސަބަބެއް ނޫނެވެ. އެއީ އަނެކާގެ އަމިއްލަ ކަމެކެވެ. ތިމާއަކީ މުސްލިމެއް ނަމަ، އެ ފައްޅިއަށް ނުވަނީމާ ނިމުނީއެވެ. އެމީހަކަށް ނުވަތަ އެ ތަނަކަށް ހަމަލަ ދިނުމަކީ މާތްކަލާނގެ ނަހީ ކުރައްވާފައިވާ ކަމެކެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން ހޮނިހިރު ދުވަހުގެ މުޒާހަރާގެ މީހުންގެ ފުރާނަ ދުއްވާލުމަށް ގާބުރިތައް ހިފައިގެން މާރާމާރި ހިންގި ތުނބުޅިލީ ގްރޫޕަކީ އިސްލާމް ދީން ވަރަށް ބޮޑަށް އޮޅިފައިވާ ބައެކެވެ. ނޫނީ އަދާލަތާއި ސަލަފާއި ޕީޕީއެމް ގުޅިގެން ގަސްދުގައި އެ ތުނބުޅިލީ ގްރޫޕަށް އޮޅުވާލީއެވެ. މުޒާހަރާގައި ބައިވެރިވި މީހުންގެ ތެރޭގައި ދީނީ މިނިވަންކަމަށް ތާއީދު ކުރާ ގޭންގްސްޓާރުން ވެސް ހިމެނޭއިރު، އަހަރެމެން ހަމައެކަނި އަހަރެމެންގެ ޖާނު ދިފާއުކޮށް، އެ ތުނބުޅިލީ ގްރޫޕަށް ބަދަލުގައި ހަމަލަ ނުދިނީ، އެހެންކަމުން، ހަމަލަ ނުދެވޭނެތީކީ ނޫނެވެ. ނަމަވެސް އެ ތުނބުޅިލީ ގްރޫޕްގެ މީހުންގެ ނާޖާއިޒު ފައިދާ ޕީޕީއެމް އާއި އަދާލަތާއި ސަލަފުން ނަގާފައިވާކަން އެނގޭތީ، އެއީ ކޮންމެހެން އެ ގްރޫޕްގެ މައްސަލައެއް ނޫންކަން އަހަރެމެންނަށް ވިސްނޭތީ، އެމީހުންނަށް ހަމްދަރުދީ ވެވުނީމައެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން ސަލަފާ ގުޅޭ ގޭންގްތައް ވެސް މީގެ ފަހުން މިކަމާ ވިސްނާ، ހެޔޮ ވިސްނުން ލިބޭނެ ކަމަށް އުއްމީދުކޮށް އަހަރެމެން ދުއާ ކުރަމެވެ.

އެންމެ ފަހުން ޚަބަރު ލިބުނު ގޮތުގައި ކުޑަ ހެންވޭރު ގްރޫޕް ވަނީ ސަލަފަށް ވަދެފައެވެ. ވާނީ ވެސް އެހެންނެވެ. ދިވެހިން ފަގީރުކަމާއި އެކިއެކި ނަފުސާނީ ފިއްތުންތަކުގައި 30 އަހަރު ބައިތިއްބައިގެން މައުމޫން މި ވަނީ އުއްމީދު ގެއްލި މާޔޫސް ވެފައިވާ ޒުވާނުންތަކެއް އުފައްދައިފައެވެ. މައުމޫނާއި ޔާމީނު ވެގެން ދިވެހި ޒުވާނުން ހަކުރުގައި ޖައްސައިގެން، ޖަލުގެ ގޮޅިން ސަލާމަތް ނުވާ ފަދަ ގޮތަކަށް ގާނޫނުތަކާއި އުގޫބާތްތައް ރާވައިގެން، "އަމިއްލައަށް ވިސްނަން ނޭނގޭ ޖަނަވާރުން" ފަދަ ޒުވާނުންތަކެއް މިވަނީ އުފައްދައިފައެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން އުއްމީދު ގެއްލިފައިވާ ޒުވާނުންތަކަށް ދީން ވާނީ އޮތް ހަމައެކަނި އުއްމީދަށެވެ. އަދި މިހެންވެ، މިފަދަ ޒުވާނުން ޖަލުގައި ތިއްބާވެސް، އަދި ޖަލުން ނުކުތުމުން ވެސް، އަދި އޭގެ ކުރިން ގޭންގްތަކުގައި ހަރަކާތްތެރިވާން ފަށާއިރަށް ވެސް ސަލަފުން ދަނީ މި މީހުންނަށް ގުޅައިގެން ވަސްވާސް ދީގެން ސަލަފުގެ ޖާހިލިއްޔަ އަދި އަނިޔާވެރިކަމުގެ އެޖެންޑާގައި ޖައްސަމުންނެވެ. ޖިހާދު މި ކުދިންނަށް މާނަކޮށްދީފައި އޮންނަނީ މުޅިން ނުބައިކޮށެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން "މިވެނި ބަޔަކީ އިސްލާމް ދީނަށް ފުރައްސާރަ ކުރާ ބައެކޭ" ސަލަފުގެ ލީޑަރުން ހަމަ ބުނެލާއިރަށް މި ޒުވާނުންތައް ތައްޔާރު ވަނީ އެ ދިވެއްސެއްގެ ފުރާނަ ދުއްވާލަށެވެ. މިއީ ހިތާމަ ހުރި ކަމެކެވެ. މިއީ ޒުވާނުންތަކެއްގެ ނާޖާއިޒު ފައިދާ މައުމޫނާއި ޔާމީނާއި އަދާލަތާއި އަލީ ރަމީޒުމެން ނެގުމެވެ. ސަރުކާރުން މިކަން ތަހުގީގުކޮށް ހުއްޓުވަން ޖެހޭނެއެވެ.

ސަލަފާއި އަދާލަތާއި ޕީޕީއެމްގެ ނާމާން އެޖެންޑާއަކީ ކޮންމެހެން އިސްލާމް ދީން ހިމާޔަތް ކުރުމެއް ނޫނެވެ. ހަގީގަތުގައި ކޮންމެ ދިވެއްސަކަށް ވެސް އެނގޭނެ ގޮތުގައި އިސްލާމް ދީން ހިމާޔަތް ކުރާނީ މާތްކަލާނގެއެވެ. އިންސާނުންނެއް ނޫނެވެ. މިކަން އަބްރަހަތުގެ ވާހަކައިން ވަރަށް ރަނގަޅަށް ހާމަވެއެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން "ދީން ހިމާޔަތް ކުރުމަށޭ" ކިޔައިގެން ހަމަ ނުޖެހޭ ވާހަކައެއް ދައްކައިގެން އެއް ލައްކަ މީހުން ޑިސެމްބަރު 23 ގައި މިމީހުން ނެރުމަށް މަސައްކަތް ކުރުމުގެ ހަގީގީ މަގުސަދަކީ މިހާ ގިނަ ބަޔަކު އެއްކުރެވިއްޖެ ނަމަ "މޮބް މެންޓަލިޓީ" ނުވަތަ "ގޭންގް ވިސްނުން" ނުވަތަ "ހަވަރު ވިސްނުން" ގެނުވުމަށް ފުރުސަތު ހުޅުވުމެވެ. ހަވަރު ވިސްނުން އިންސާނުންގެ ބައިގަނޑަކަށް އަތުވެއްޖެ ނަމަ، ގަވައިދަކަށް އިންސާނެއްގެ ފުރާނައަކަށް އަދި މުދަލަކަށް ބެލުމެއް ނެތި، ވަގުތީ ގޮތުން ހަމަ ވިސްނުން ގެއްލި، "ގްރޫޕް ވިސްނުމުގައި" އެއަންނަ "ކިކަކުން" ގޮސް ކޮންމެ ކަމެއް ކޮށްލުމަކީ ވެސް އެކަށީގެންވާ ކަމެކެވެ. މިމީހުންގެ ބޭނުމަކީ، މުހައްމަދު އަމީނަށް ހަދައިލިހެން، މި ކަހަލަ ނަފުސާނީ ހާތަލަށް ބައިގަނޑެއް ނުވަތަ "ހަވަރެއް" އެއްކޮށް، އެއްވެސް ލަދުހަޔާތެއް އަދި ވިސްނުމެއް ނެތް، އަދި އަމިއްލަ ފުރާނައަށް ވެސް ބެލުމެއް ނެތް ހާލަތަކަށް މި "ހަވަރު" ނަފުސާނީ ގޮތުން ގެންގޮސް، މުލީއާގެއަށާއި އެހެނިހެން ތަންތަނަށް ގޮސް، ސަރުކާރުގެ އިސް ފަރާތްތައް ހިސޯރުކޮށް، އަދި ދަނޑިވަޅު ލިބިއްޖެ ނަމަ ހަމަ ސީދާ މަރާލުމެވެ.

ސަލަފާއި އަދާލަތާއި ޕީޕީއެމްއިން މީހުން މަރަން ޖެހިލުން ނުވާކަން ހޮނިހިރު ދުވަހު އެވަނީ ދައްކައިދީފައެވެ. އެއްވެސް ސާބިތު ހެއްކެއް ނެތި، އެ މުޒާހަރާ ރޭވީ ހިއްލަތު ކަމަށް ބުނާއިރު، ތުނބުޅިލީ ގްރޫޕުން މުޒާހަރާ ކުރި ފަރާތްތަކުގެ ފުރާނަ ދުއްވާލަން ހިންގި އަނިޔާވެރި މާރާމާރީ ކުށްވެރި ކުރުމުގެ ބަދަލުގައި، އެ އަނިޔާ އެންމެ ބޮޑަށް ލިބުނު ފަރާތް ކަމަށްވާ ހިއްލަތުގެ ބޮލުގައި މި އިލްޒާމް އެޅުވުމުން ވަރަށް ގިނަ އެއްޗެހިތަކެއް މި ތިން ބައިގަނޑާމެދު ހާމަވެގެން ހިނގައްޖެވެ.

ހިތާމައަކީ މި ހުރިހާ ކަމެއް ވިސްނޭ މީހުން ބިރުން ހަމަހިމޭނުން ތިބޭތީއެވެ. ނޫނީ އަމިއްލަ ދަހިވެތިކަމާހެދިއެވެ. އިސްލާމް ދީން ދޫކޮށްލާ ނުވަތަ މުރުތައްދުވާ މީހުން މެރުމަކީ ހަގީގަތުގައި އިސްލާމް ދީނުގައި އެކަން އޮންނަ ގޮތް ނޫން ކަމާއި މިއީ ވައްހާބީ ބައިގަނޑުން އިސްލާމީ ތާރީޚުގައި ހަދައިގެން އުޅޭ ފިތުނައެއްކަން އެންމެ ރަނގަޅަށް އެނގޭނީ މިކަމާ ގުޅޭ ގޮތުން ބޭބެ ޑރ. އަބްދުއްލޯ ސައީދާއެކު ފޮތެއް ލިޔުއްވި ޑރ. ހަސަން ސައީދަށެވެ. ނަމަވެސް ޑރ. ހަސަން ސައީދާއި ކުރީގެ އިސްލާމީ ސްޓޭޓް މިނިސްޓަރު މުހައްމަދު ޝަހީމް އަލީ ސައިދާ އެއްވެސް ތަފާތެއް ނެތެވެ. އިސްލާމް ދީނުގައި ހަގީގަތުގައި ކަންތައްތައް އޮތް ގޮތާއި ހައްގު ބަސް ބުނަން ޖެހިލުންވާ، މުނާފިގު ދެމީހުންނެވެ. މިސާލަކަށް، ޒިނޭ ކުރާ އަންހެނުން ކަރުތާފަތަށް ވަޅުލާ، ގަލުން ތަޅާ މެރުމަކީ ރަޖަމް ކުރާ އަސްލު ގޮތް ނޫން ކަމަށް ޝަހީމް ވަނީ ޚުދު އަޅުގަނޑު ގާތުގައި ސީދާ ބުނެފައެވެ. ޝަހީމް ވިދާޅުވީ ރަޖަމް ކުރެވޭ މީހާ ކޮޅަށް މިނިވަންކޮށް ބަހައްޓައި، އޭނާގެ ގަޔަށް އަރާ ގާތަކުން އޭނާއަށް ކެތް ނުކުރެވޭ ހިސާބަށް ގޮސް، ދެން މިނިވަންވާން އަމިއްލައަށް އެތަނުން ދުރަށް ހިނގައިގެންފި ނަމަ، އޭނާގެ ފަހަތުން ދިއުމެއް ނެތް ކަމެވެ. އޭނާއަށް އެހުރީ އެހާހިސާބުން ހައްގު އަދަބު ލިބިފައި ކަމަށާއި އޭނާއަކީ އެހާ ހިސާބުން މިނިވަނެއް ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި މި ނޫން ގޮތަކަށް ރަޖަމް ކުރާ އިސްލާމީ ގައުމުތަކުން، މިސާލަކަށް ޕާކިސްތާނު، އީރާނު، އަފްގާނިސްތާނުން، ރަޖަމް ކުރަނީ އެކަން ކުރަން ނުވާ ގޮތަށް، އަނިޔާވެރި ގޮތަކަށް ސީދާ މީހާ މަރާލަން ކަމަށާއި މިއީ އިސްލާމް ދީނާ ޚިލާފު ކަމެއް ކަމަށެވެ.

ރައީސް ނަޝީދު ދާދި ފަހުން ވިދާޅުވިހެން އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީއަތާއި އުގޫބާތްތައް ހަގީގަތުގައި ކަނޑައަޅާފައި ވަނީ ކުށްކުރާ މީހުންގެ ދުވަސްދުއްވާލުމަކަށް ނޫނެވެ. ނަމަވެސް އެމީހުންނަށް ލަދުވެތިކަމެއް އިހުސާސް ކުރެވިގެން ނަމަވެސް އެފަދަ އަމަލުތަކާ ދުރުގައި ހުރުމަށް ހިތްވަރު ދިނުމުގެ މާތް މަގުސަދުގައެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީއަތާމެދު ދިވެހިންގެ ގިނަ ބަޔަކު މިއަދު ނަފުރަތު ކުރަން ދިމާވެފައި މިވަނީ އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީއަތާއި އުގޫބާތްތައް ވައްހާބީންގެ އަނިޔާވެރި މަނާކުރުންތަކަށް ބިނާކޮށް، ކުށްކުރާ މީހުން އިސްލާހު ކުރުމުގެ ބަދަލުގައި، އެމީހުންގެ ފުރާނަ ދުއްވާލާގޮތަށް އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީއަތް "ބަދަލުކޮށްފައި" އޮތުމުންނެވެ. ޑރ. ހަސަން ސައީދާއި ޝަހީމާއި އަންނި އެ ބުނާ ފަދައިން، ވައްހާބީންގެ ބާރު ކަނޑުވައި، އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީއަތުގައި އުގޫބާތްތައް ކަނޑައެޅިފައި އޮންނަ އަސްލު ގޮތް ގިނަ ދިވެހިންނަށް ވިސްނައި ދެވިއްޖެ ނަމަ، އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީއަތް އެންމެ ފުރިހަމަ ގޮތުގައި ރާއްޖޭގައި ހިންގުމަށް، އެއްވެސް މުސްލިމަކު ވެސް އަދި އެއްވެސް ދީނެއް ގަބޫލު ނުކުރާ ދިވެއްސަކު ވެސް، އެކަމާ ދެކޮޅެއް ނުހަދާނެއެވެ.

Launching my official website

2009-04-20T07:56:00.001+05:00

As I left Haveeru Daily in January, and started freelancing, I’ve felt the need to continue my journalistic adventures, whether in the form of writing, photography, etc.

And with the launching of my official website, www.hilath.com, I hope to do more in the way of journalism but with regard to time availability as freelancing means I would be obliged to work on projects for various parties.

But I am happy that I am finally getting some time for myself, to work at ease, and also relax at any time I chose to, which of course translates to the opportunity now available for me to go bodyboarding at any time the best waves are on offer, and also visit other islands, something which I’ve always wanted to do but so far haven’t been able to. :-D I know it’s a hedonistic lifestyle now but hey, half my life is over, so I might as well relax and enjoy the remaining half! Who knows, I might even die tonight ‘cos you never know how the forces of nature work when you start counting the second half of your life!

Regarding the journalistic endeavors I plan to undertake…. I’ve found it difficult to maintain three blogs of mine (a personal blog, a photo blog, and this news oriented blog) so after the advice of a close friend, I decided to launch the official website of mine (www.hilath.com) and integrate all of my work there.

From now on, I won’t be updating this blog or any previous blogs of mine but they will continue to remain as an archive for visitors to refer back to. I will be updating only my official website.

Some glitches remain on that site but another close friend, who set it up by modifying a WordPress format, will take care of it in the coming few days. He will also be adding some additional features.

Cheers.

- Hilath -

The quirks of a super intelligent mind revealed

2009-04-18T23:15:00.001+05:00

Iran clones female goat named Hana

2009-04-16T09:01:00.001+05:00

ISFAHAN, Iran – Iranian scientists have cloned a goat and plan future experiments they hope will lead to a treatment for stroke patients, the leader of the research said Wednesday. The female goat, named Hana, was born early Wednesday in the city of Isfahan in central Iran, said Dr. Mohammed Hossein Nasr e Isfahani, head of the Royan Research Institute.

"With the birth of Hana, Iran is among five countries in the world cloning a baby goat," said Isfahani, an embryologist. Full story from Yahoo News

In new book, deaf actress claims actor abused her

2009-04-14T21:45:00.001+05:00

...The pair co-starred in the film "Children of a Lesser God," for which Marlee Matlin won an Oscar in 1987 - she was the first deaf actress to win the award.

Matlin and William Hurt met while making the film and began a romantic relationship.

In her book, "I'll Scream Later," Matlin describes a turbulent and violent courtship and one abusive fight in which she claims Hurt threw her on a bed and ripped her clothes off while she sobbed, "No, no, no. Please Bill, no."

In an interview on Access Hollywood, Matlin told host Nancy O'Dell, "I was always afraid ... of him, but i loved him."

Matlin said Hurt was battling alcoholism at the time and she was addicted to cocaine. Full story on New York Daily News

Why do women kill?

2009-04-14T21:18:00.003+05:00

...Forensic psychologists and criminal profilers say women who kill have backgrounds and motivations that are often quite different from their male counterparts. Compared with men, women are more likely to be related to their victim, less likely to plan in advance and less likely to use extreme violence.

"Women are different in whom, how and why they kill," said James Alan Fox, a criminologist at Northeastern University. "The victims are younger, they're more often related to them, they kill with means other than guns.

"The traditional female role is a nurturer, not a murderer. Extreme violence is far more alien to females than to males," he added. "When a murder is committed by a female, it's more likely to be self-defense or can reflect some sort of mental illness."

Though women committed roughly 10 percent of murders between 1976 and 2005, they were involved in nearly 35 percent of murders of intimate partners and nearly 30 percent of murders of where the victim was another family member, according to the Justice Department. Full story on ABC News

Man lands plane after pilot dies

2009-04-14T21:13:00.002+05:00

A passenger has landed a twin-engine King Air plane in Florida after its pilot died during the flight.

"It was a focused fear," he said after landing the plane. "And I was in some kind of a zone that I can't explain."

Full story on BBC News

Navigating the road to Parliamentary elections: who may win and why

2009-04-13T10:30:00.000+05:00

It is undeniable that both parties have unqualified candidates who are not well-versed in politics either because they have never studied the subject or because they have never worked in the field.

As democratic as it may be to give the chance for any Mohamed, Ahmed or Ibrahim to rise to the ranks of parliamentarian, considering the primary duty of MPs – shaping the country’s legislation – I, frankly, would prefer candidates who were competent rather than just loud-mouthed.

Parliament needs to become less of an arena for slurs and individuals pursuing ulterior agendas, and business interests, and more for MPs who genuinely have the best interests of the country at heart.

For me personally, this means voting for the individual rather than along party lines, especially considering how prone members are to party hop – after casting your vote, you just never know which party your candidate will hop to next.

Over recent months, leaders of the two rival parties have been urging their party members to win as many seats as possible.

Full story by Ibrahim Mohamed on MinivanNews.com

Convicted child abuser an MDP candidate for Parliament

2009-04-12T18:00:00.000+05:00

At least one of MDP's candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections, Ibrahim Manik, who is contesting a Dhaalu Atoll seat, was convicted of sex offense involving a minor. When concerned people contacted the party about it, they were told the candidate would be removed from the party ticket. But at the time of the publishing of this post, he was still on the MDP list of candidates. Full story from Maldives Dissent

Maldives to run for seat in UN Human Rights Council

2009-04-12T13:14:00.001+05:00

MinivanNews.com reports:

A visit by Amnesty International in 2004, noted torture, including rape of detainees, a de facto ban on political parties, severe restrictions on freedom of expression, fear of unfair trial and, arbitrary arrest and detention.

In a speech given at the Royal Commonwealth Society last week in London, President Mohamed Nasheed, a former political prisoner who triumphed in the country’s first multi-party elections in October 2008, said the country had made great strides as it had “ratified a new constitution that enshrines a Bill of Rights, held peaceful multi-party elections and facilitated a smooth transfer of power.

I guess human rights here does not include Maldives' MOST PRESSING problems such as child abuse, violence against women, xenophobia, homophobia, etc?

MinivanNews.com reports Anni as saying:

“All this is very new and we witnessed events that people thought impossible only a few years back. We now have independent institutions, and a separation of powers that serve as a check on power.”

I guess Anni is again being ironic?

NGO condemns PG’s decision to start criminal proceedings against journalists

2009-04-11T17:37:00.005+05:00

Maldives Journalists Association has condemned the Prosecutor General’s announcement on April 1 that it will start criminal proceedings against journalists for defamation.

The MJA was registered just a day before the PG’s office made the announcement, and on April 5, the association held a press conference in which it said that the PG’s decision was “against the spirit of the new Constitution that came into effect last year.”

MJA is a collaboration of local journalists after the Maldives Media Association (established in 2007) failed to function properly. (See Ibrahim Mohamed’s article, Maldives Media Association on verge of collapse, on MinivanNews.com)

“Though the draconian Penal Code in place provides for criminal defamation, over the past four years the government of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom did not implement this as an act of good faith to pave way for the smooth transition of Maldives into a liberal democracy,” Ahmed Zahir, executive editor of Haveeru Daily, and a founder of MJA, told reporters.

“Following the announcement by the Prosecutor General’s Office, the new government under President Mohamed Nasheed has kept silent on the issue. We strongly condemn this move by the Prosecutor General,” Zahir said.

He went on to say that MJA would greatly appreciate any support and pressure on the new government to change the Penal Code to decriminalize defamation, and establish a free and stimulating climate that is conducive for journalists to practice their profession without fear and self-censorship.

Coldplay's "Lovers in Japan"

2009-04-11T08:03:00.004+05:00

The best song in their new album Prospket's March -- a song in the tradition of their Speed of Sound, A Rush of Blood to the Head, Amsterdam, and Muse's Hyper Chondriac Music.

Official site: Coldplay.com

Original YouTube link to this song

Protest against convicted pedophile who the Government has allowed to give tution to children at his home

2009-04-10T14:14:00.005+05:00

A group of people gathered outside the house of a man who was convicted of sexually abusing several young children some years ago, protesting against the fact that the man was tutoring children at his house.

Jennifer Latheef, leading activist of a group named “Noor” which tries to create awareness about relevant issues in the country, said that the objective of the protest was to show how serious the crime that he had committed was and to create awareness among parents about the dangers of sending their children to such a man. Full story on Haveeru Daily

Just goes on to show the state of affairs in this society where the Government allows convicted pedophiles the opportunity to prey on more children. Please consider very carefully the options when you choose on a candidate to vote in for next Parliament.

Is Anni being ironic?

2009-04-10T10:30:00.004+05:00

BBC reports:

...The president told the BBC he was seeking investors for a deregulated media sector that would ensure press freedom and competition...

...Mr Nasheed said he was committed to eradicating Islamic fundamentalism but that the task was made difficult because growing radicalisation in Pakistan was encouraging Islamist groups in the Maldives...

Full Story on BBC News titled, Maldives vows to open state media

I see things only otherwise from current developments in Maldives.

Activist charged for "Twitter Revolution"

2009-04-10T08:19:00.002+05:00

A Moldovan activist faces criminal charges for organizing demonstrations that were enabled by social networking tools like Twitter and Facebook, the Russian press reports. Full Story

A moving comment by a young Dhuvaafaru boy

2009-04-09T13:34:00.003+05:00

... As part of the ceremony, a young boy spoke about the feeling of loss following the tsunami and the new feeling of hope thanks to the creation of Dhuvaafaru.

He said, "As you know, my island was washed away by the tsunami. Most people lost their properties and valuables, and they were very sad, but I only had a diamond and I lost it. I was very sad.... I was wandering in search of my diamond. I never lost hope. My diamond was in a silver ring. I did not find it, but today, right now, in front of you, here is my diamond, on a golden ring. My diamond is my community, and my ring is my island. I had a silver ring (my old island), now I have a golden ring which is this new island, Dhuvaafaru."

He concluded: "Thank you Red Cross Red Crescent for returning my ring, in a better shape and a better quality"... Full story on ReliefWeb.int titled, Maldives: Rebuilding hope, lives and homes

Another interesting article about Dhuvaafaru, titled DHUVAAFARU: ONE OF THE MOST VULNERABLE ISLANDS TO CLIMATE CHANGE, on BluePeaceMaldives website

Don't judge life by one difficult season

2009-04-07T16:16:00.001+05:00

If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, and the fulfillment of your fall.

Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of the rest.

These words by my Swiss friend again brightened up my mood on this rainy day :-)

Cosmic Hand reaches for the Light

2009-04-07T09:05:00.002+05:00

Tiny and dying but still-powerful stars called pulsars spin like crazy and light up their surroundings, often with ghostly glows. So it is with PSR B1509-58, which long ago collapsed into a sphere just 12 miles in diameter after running out of fuel.

And what a strange scene this one has created.

In a new image from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, high-energy X-rays emanating from the nebula around PSR B1509-58 have been colored blue to reveal a structure resembling a hand reaching for some eternal red cosmic light. More from Yahoo News.

Kosher telephone = Halal telephone

2009-04-07T00:41:00.002+05:00

Credit to a friend for bringing this to my attention. This article is related to my earlier blog post titled Photos of women "haram" for Jewish extremists on Jewish extremism which mentioned "kosher telephones."

***

... This is a genuine article, on sale from a Motorola daughter company in Israel. The company is called Mirs and is producing a mobile telephone with a built in censorship for the othodox jews. It comes with a guarantee from a commitee of rabis and is incapable of dialling at least 10,000 numbers to sex lines, dating services and other such things of that ilk. The list of numbers is under constant review by the commitee. The whole thing started because, despite their discouragement of TV and radio, the orthodox elders have decided that a mobile telephone is a necessary piece of technology in the 21st century. But something had to be done to keep people on the straight and narrow and out of temptations way!

... Surprisingly there are also Arab states that are showing interest too. The same basic principle of blocking certain numbers could also be used in protecting the sensitivities of nice muslim folks.

...Apart from the built in censorship, there is no SMS service, no interface to the internet, no camera function and no video. Full blog post from On the Wing blog

UN special rapporteur for freedom of expression recommended decriminalisation of defamation: Minivan News

2009-04-05T12:11:00.000+05:00

by Maryam Omidi, MinivanNews.com

... The criminalisation of defamation is an unconscionable threat and an affront to freedom of speech. It is a tool used in countries, where free expression has little value, to silence critics. The threat of criminal punishment has an overwhelming chilling effect and not only represses good journalism but cloaks the shady behaviour of public officials.

... It leads to self-censorship by journalists, while giving free rein to politicians and other bigwigs to routinely abuse the law to choke even the slightest whiff of criticism; it inhibits public debate.

... Retaining and enforcing such a law is a giant step backwards for a country seeking to move forwards, for a country desirous of democracy and for a country which plans to open its doors to dissident writers, persecuted for expressing their thoughts in their own countries.

... If the Maldives is to become a custodian of free speech, the government will have to start practising what it preaches at home before it is rightfully accused of hypocrisy. Read the full story from MinivanNews.com

Photos of women "haram" for Jewish extremists

2009-04-04T23:17:00.004+05:00

Two ultra-Orthodox Jewish newspapers have altered a photo of Israel's new cabinet, removing two female ministers.

Limor Livnat and Sofa Landver were grouped with the rest of the 30-member cabinet for their inaugural photo.

But Yated Neeman newspaper digitally changed the picture by replacing them with two men. The Shaa Tova newspaper blacked the women out.

Publishing pictures of women is viewed by many ultra-orthodox Jews as a violation of female modesty.

Other Israeli papers reprinted the altered images next to the original photos, with one headlining it "Find the lady".

The ultra-Orthodox community separates itself from mainstream society through its traditional religious practices and distinctive attire of black hats, coats and sidelocks for the men and long skirts and sleeves for the women.

Restrictions include using only Kosher telephones, and not accessing websites with content deemed inappropriate.

Original BBC News link

Credit to Aseel for bringing this to attention.

Under pressure, Afghan President orders a review of the law legalising marital rape

2009-04-04T22:49:00.000+05:00

I guess this is good news and a victory for women's rights, especially for the Muslim women living in extremist countries like Afghanistan.

Afghan leader orders review of Shi'ite law

STRASBOURG, France (Reuters) – Afghan President Hamid Karzai has ordered a review of a new law for Afghanistan's Shi'ite minority after Western nations raised concerns over its impact on women's rights, Western officials said on Saturday.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he had voiced grave concern over the Shi'ite Personal Status Law in a phone call to Karzai on Saturday and had "demanded assurances" that the law would not infringe women's rights...

... The United States, NATO, Canada and the United Nations have spoken out against the law, saying it legalizes marital rape. Full News story

Demi Moore uses Twitter to save woman from suicide

2009-04-04T21:09:00.003+05:00

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Actress Demi Moore's frequent postings on Twitter put her in the middle of a life-and-death drama Friday when a woman sent her an online message threatening suicide.

Moore, who was in southern France where her husband, actor Ashton Kutcher, is filming a movie, quickly replied to the threat saying, "Hope you are joking."

Twitter followers who saw the message tracked it to a San Jose, California, home, where police found a 48-year-old woman. The police took her into custody for a psychological evaluation, according to a police spokesman. Full story on CNN

In the line of duty: Maldives cop dances

2009-04-04T09:54:00.004+05:00

"Superb Aney dhivehi raahje cop. This guy is Owsam...."
Uploaded to YouTube by fukufukusylar

Credit to Aseel for bringing attention to this video.

Original link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbYQFYD0Ma0

The Government vs. the State: Whose interest does the Prosecutor General serve?

2009-04-04T08:54:00.003+05:00

Former Attorney General Dr. Hasssan Saeed never filed a criminal defamation suit against any Maldives’ journalist although our Penal Code allows for that provision. Though he was serving President Gayoom’s dictatorial regime, it was a time of transition, and he acted that way as a sign of good faith, he told some senior journalists at the time.

It was well appreciated, and many journalists then regarded that President Gayoom had seriously undergone a major transformation (perhaps from both local and international pressure) and was ready to finally give up all that absolute power which had corrupted him and give in himself to democracy.

Now we have a new Constitution in which many institutes of the State and Government are autonomous and independent.

Which now creates an unusual situation: whose interest do these independent institutions serve? The Government of the day’s? Or the permanent State’s?

Regarding the announcement on Thursday by the Prosecutor General’s Office that it will initiate criminal proceedings against journalists for defamation, we are brought to this question: whose interest is the PG’s office serving? President Nasheed’s government? Or the State of Maldives?

But perhaps that is the wrong question we are asking because independent institutions are supposed to uphold the longterm interests of the State at any cost, and it has a useful role in keeping in check the actions of any Government which may temporarily or on longterm jeopardize the national interests of the country. (This is also the moral behind the existence of political appointees and civil servants. For instance, in some other countries, the Foreign Minister of the day’s decisions are advised or opposed by the Foreign Secretary who will have a better long-term vision of the long-term geopolitical interests of the state).

In this case, obviously, criminal defamation suits against journalists will be an act AGAINST the interests of both the Government and the State. It will curb press freedom to perhaps what was experienced in the 20th century in Maldives because journalists will be muzzled and will not be legally allowed to question or criticize anyone or any institution because if he does, he can be sued for criminal defamation by the “hurt” party. Hence, both locally and internationally, it will be seen as the Maldives taking a great leap backward from democracy.

But, as I see it here, I have to agree with the viewpoint of the PG’s Office:

Saeed was not serving an independent institution, but the Government of the day, so he could have acted in good faith and not launched criminal defamation suits against journalists.

But now the PG’s Office is independent, and if anyone complains that he/she has been defamed, the PG’s office would have NO CHOICE because the Penal Code makes that provision to launch criminal defamation proceedings.

So there is no way for the current PG to act in good faith because the Penal Code is like that. And because of the very fact that the PG’s office is independent, it will be forced to act in the way the Penal Code specifies.

So once again, it is the Parliament which can step in and save us from these dire circumstances. If the MPs are serious about upholding democracy, they should immediately amend the Penal Code and decriminalize defamation.

I call upon all honorable and respectable MPs to do this immediately.

Maldives Journalists Association to fight for decriminalizing defamation

2009-04-03T21:44:00.005+05:00

Maldives Journalists Association, which was registered on Wednesday, on Thursday said that it will fight to decriminalize defamation lawsuits.

The announcement came after the Prosecutor General’s Office on Thursday said that the Government will start criminal defamation suits against Maldives’ journalists under a provision made available under the Penal Code. (Link)

The Regulations concerning legal compensation in defamation suits also do not rule out criminal proceedings, the Deputy to the PG Hussain Shameem was quoted as saying in Haveeru Daily.

Local journalists have expressed outrage at what they see as a U-turn in Maldives’ press freedom.

“Even Sri Lanka, which is at war, has decriminalized defamation. Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s dictatorship now seems ironically better because even then Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed never launched a criminal defamation suit against a journalist, as a sign of good faith, even when the Penal Code allowed such a provision. Tragically, if the government under President Nasheed who is also a journalist, has decided to proceed with criminal defamation suits against journalists, Maldives’ press freedom has gone back to its Dark Ages,” a local journalist told this blogger asking not to be named.

The MJA said that it will work towards making President Nasheed’s government responsible and accountable for sustaining press freedom and upholding the rights of journalists and the press.

While the law allows the State to launch criminal defamation suits, the law allows private parties to launch only civil suits in cases of defamation.

Many such high profile cases include:

- Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom suing the Islamic purist Adaalath Party President Hussain Rasheed Ahmed for declaring Gayoom a non-Sunni Muslim, which could also be construed as pronouncing Gayoom an unbeliever as Sunni Muslims don’t consider other “varieties” of Muslims such as Shiittes as true Muslims.

- Former Parliament Speaker Ahmed Zahir suing former Thaa atoll constitutional assembly MP Riyaz Rasheed.

- And presently, the Civil Court is in the proceedings of a civil suit launched by Gayoom against Thaa atoll MP and ruling Maldivian Democratic Party parliamentary group speaker Hassan Afeef.

The MJA was founded by Ahmed Zahir, the executive editor of Haveeru, Midhath Adam, the editor of DhiTV, and Ali Sham-aan, the editor of Haftha magazine.

Zahir on Monday left the Maldives Media Association after criticizing it of failing to work towards attaining its goals.

“We will advocate for press freedom and the rights of the media,” Zahir was quoted as saying in Haveeru.

MJA will seek cooperation among journalists of Maldives in working towards the common goal of press freedom and maintaining a professional and ethical work ethic, Zahir told this blogger.

MJA also said that it will seek to affiliate with foreign media and press associations in order to strengthen press freedom and professionalism of Maldives’ journalists.

Two women die every week from domestic violence

2009-04-03T17:14:00.003+05:00

Keira Knightly's brutal video advertisement on domestic violence.

Warning: 15+ rated, for a violent beating scene.

Dr. Jekyll (Vice President Dr. Waheed) and Mr. Hyde (Environment Ministry's Permanent Secretary Nasir)

2009-04-03T12:25:00.002+05:00

Read this MinivanNews.com article titled, Islanders authorised to fell trees on six islands, regarding the government's decision to allow people to cut down the natural vegetation of 22 islands from Baa atoll.

He (Dr. Waheed) said post-tsunami reconstruction programmes by the government and aid agencies were “contrary to nature” as they involved felling a vast number of trees.

“First thing we have done is to cut down all the trees and then we built all those houses right next to each other so that islands are very hot so it’s not a place for a very comfortable life,” he said.

“It seems to me that the way the climate is changing we are supposed to have a canopy of trees. It protects the most of the soil but we haven’t paid much attention to it.”

But...

But Abdullah Nasir, permanent secretary at the (environment) ministry, has defended the government’s decision, saying it is not the first time the government had issued permission for felling trees on uninhabited islands.

“We make our decisions after considering the environmental impact,” said Nasir. “If there is lack of trees, we withhold permission and once the area has recovered, we issue permission again.”

What "recovery" are we talking about?

Mohamed Afrah, a member of Baa atoll environment NGO Maalhos Recreation and Environment Society, said he was “very disturbed” by the government’s decision.

He described the government’s environmental policy as a failure as felling trees could lead to the creation of “deserts”.

So which government's decision is Nasir talking about?

Knightley in violent charity ad

2009-04-03T12:10:00.001+05:00

Actress Keira Knightley is seen suffering a brutal assault in a new advertisement highlighting the issue of domestic violence.

The two minute TV and cinema ad, for the charity Women's Aid, shows the star being beaten by her partner after she returns home from a film set. Full story on BBC News

Sisters spread happiness while brothers breed distress: experts

2009-04-03T11:54:00.002+05:00

Researchers quizzed 571 people aged 17 to 25 about their lives and found those who grew up with sisters were more likely to be happy and balanced.

The University of Ulster said having daughters made a family more open and willing to discuss feelings.

They said the influence of girls was particularly important after distressing family events such as marital break-ups.

The findings are due to be presented at the British Psychological Society in Brighton on Thursday. Full story on BBC News

Maldives government gives permission to cut down vegetation of 22 islands

2009-04-01T21:18:00.004+05:00

Is hypocrisy becoming a feature of President Nasheed’s government?

First the President said that Maldives will be a heaven for dissident writers from Burma and elsewhere but days later blocked more than 900 websites.

A few days ago he promised to make Maldives carbon neutral within 10 years but now has given permission to cut down the natural vegetation of 22 islands from Baa atoll, reports Eydhafushi Today, a community online newspaper catering to Baa atoll community.

According to this report, cutting down trees started yesterday in Maaddoo island and started in Undoodhoo island today.

The report quotes an official from the Atoll Office saying that timber will be made available to meet everyone’s demands in a “systematic” way and that a lot of people are already in a "queue" waiting to cut timber.

A “letter of permission” can be submitted by those who want timber to build or repair vessels.

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s government was accused of hypocrisy for destroying Maldives environment though it advocated environmental protection.

Now President Nasheed’s government is engaging itself in environmental destruction practices though in international forums he is promoting an image that of an environmental savior.

If Nasheed is serious about the costs to the environment, he can get State Trading Organisation or some other government agency to subsidise imported timber for people’s needs.

The government says almost all the 1,190 islands of the Maldives archipelago is suffering from erosion; more than 80 resort islands have reported beach erosion while the 200 or so inhabited islands have also reported erosion.

Most of the Maldives’ islands are less than one square kilometers in area which would mean that if people are allowed to cut down the natural vegetation, these 22 islands could become barren wastelands or sandbars which ultimately will get “eaten away” into the sea by wave erosion.

Worse than Taliban: Afghan President legalises marital rape

2009-04-01T15:10:00.002+05:00

Hamid Karzai has been accused of trying to win votes in Afghanistan's presidential election by backing a law the UN says legalises rape within marriage and bans wives from stepping outside their homes without their husbands' permission.

Full Story from UK's The Guardian

And this is what millions of American money and blood of American soldiers are being poured into to get established in Afghanistan?

Heroin epidemic claims another life

2009-03-31T09:16:00.001+05:00

In the past month, a total of five drug addicts have died either from heroin overdoses or suicide; four out of the five addicts received treatment at Himmafushi rehabilitation centre run by the department of rehabilitation services (DRS). Full story from MinivanNews.com

"Steak is capitalism on a plate, it’s bloody muscle and it tastes of sweat and gore and burnt ambition."

2009-03-31T07:24:00.002+05:00

...If you think of food as being made up of symbolic ingredients — and you really should, because before it’s nutrition, your carrot is symbolism — then potatoes represent honesty, rice is endeavour, lettuce is vanity, chocolate is lonely, chicken is friendly and steak . . . steak is aspiration.

Steak is the promise of better to come.

Steak is capitalism on a plate, it’s bloody muscle and it tastes of sweat and gore and burnt ambition.

There is nothing hidden in a steak, it’s a brick, a protein, adrenaline and testosterone, a sympathetic magic, the transubstantiation of the body and the blood of the bull in a bear market.

Steak is what you order when you are confused and fearful, when the world’s menu looks duplicitous and weedy and whimsical...

Read the full A A Gill's gripping food review which is one of the best English language writings I have ever come across. Yummy...

Paul Sheehan, Islamophobia, Bad Muslims, Wonderful Australia and Bizarre Fabrications

2009-03-30T14:00:00.000+05:00

Now let's consider how Sheehan is certainly not an Islamophobe. He spent his last holiday in Malaysia and the Maldives, his twelfth visit to Muslim societies because he doesn't fear Muslims and doesn't fear Islam. What a wonderful gesture. To walk amongst Islamics in their homes without fear. And the Maldives is such a festering hotbed of radicals too. Even more dangerous than Malaysia. (Well I'm not so sure he's holidayed in Auburn, but let it pass). Full Story

What happened to President Nasheed's 300-million-dollar promise?

2009-03-26T20:59:00.004+05:00

by Ahmed Zahir, Managing Editor of Haveeru Daily

When elections are around, expect to hear a lot of promises from politicians but only empty ones because that's the rhetoric needed to convince a populace to vote for him, which is exactly what President Mohamed Nasheed is now doing.

The President’s promises of beneficial projects to the nation are increasing in proportion to the worsening of the world economic crisis. At every visit he makes to a rural island now, he seems to be making promises that cannot be kept, painting a rosy picture in order to score political points at a time when Parliamentary elections are just around the corner.

Among the promises he made to rural communities recently are the construction of 150 flats in Manadhoo island, 100 flats each on Mahibadhoo and Thoddoo along with sewerage systems, 50 flats in Dhiyamigili, and 30 flats in Hirilandhoo, work on which are to be started within this year itself. He also pledged to start construction of a city hotel in Kudafari, upgrading of Villa Group's private harbor in Maamigili to an international harbor, and setting up a sewerage system in that island. In addition, he also promised to build a bridge linking two islands in Thaa atoll which are kilometers apart, no easy task.

Such development projects can no doubt make lives of the people living in those areas better.

That is, if the President can actually deliver on that promise.

And you tend to wonder: why are the ministers silent? What studies or what considerations have led to the government to decide that Maldivians should switch to living in apartments rather than houses? It seems that the President is making these announcements on the spot, when there is no apparent indication by the relevant ministries of what kind of projects are appropriate to be carried out in each specific island.

Each month, the government is withdrawing Rf200 million from the Central Bank's reserves, in excess of what the government is getting in revenues, to continue the day-to-day running of the government.

I will not go as far as the Islamic Democratic Party's leader Umar Naseer who published a "50 Lies of President Mohamed Nasheed" but I am very much interested to know the plight of 300 million dollars that Nasheed, just before he won the elections, said that he was to get from foreign sources within 15 to 20 days after assumption of office. He had in fact rode on that promise asking Maldivians not to worry on whether the treasury had even a coin left because of this 300-million-dollar saving grace.

As Nasheed continues his spree of making empty promises to the people, perhaps he should stop and consider what he is really doing. He shouldn't treat the people as naive and gullible who will swallow anything that he offers. He should in fact for once introspect on how he actually ran his own party during the past five years. There is good reason why all the senior people left from his party after expressing dissatisfaction on how he ran it.

And after he won the Presidency, we are seeing the same situation again. The conversion of the 25 percent votes he got during the first round of the Presidential Elections to 54 percent in the second round which won him the elections, is due to the backing and hard work of Qaumee Party's Dr. Hassan Saeed and businessman Qasim Ibrahim of the Villa Group who is also leader of Jumhooree Party. However, today they have distanced themselves from Nasheed for good reason.

Hence, people should be vigilant when a leader starts makings promises that ring hollow, and especially during the time of an upcoming elections. And if he wants to prove that he is a worthy and truth-telling leader, President Nasheed might as well now clarify what happened to the 300 million dollars he claimed that he had netted for Maldives? It is not wise during this depression time to continue to spend from a treasury which has trickled to almost nothing.

Translated from the original Dhivehi article

Maldives' Coldplay fan Ahmed M. Didi left out in the cold

2009-03-26T09:32:00.001+05:00

'I said this is unacceptable,' he added. 'I have two friends who flew here from Maldives just to watch the show (at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Monday), and one of them is a pregnant woman. We can't just watch the show from the back when we paid for the first category of tickets.'

Full Story

'Torture' chief Brigadier Adam Zahir's two UK homes

2009-03-25T16:35:00.002+05:00

Mr Zahir has homes in Lancashire and London, much to the distress of those who allege they suffered at the hands of the police.

...Mrs Mariyam Manike has no doubt who she blames for the violent death in prison of her son Eevan Nasseem.

...Mrs Manike has a civil action in the Maldives against the country's defence ministry and wants Mr Zahir to give evidence, but she also wants Britain to act because of his UK links.

...The British Government said in 2002 it was determined the UK will not harbour war criminals or people who commit other human rights abuses abroad.

Full Story

President Nasheed's "white elephants"

2009-03-25T15:50:00.011+05:00

Is democracy taking a u-turn in Maldives, asks Haveeru Daily's Managing Editor Ahmed "Hiriga" Zahir:

Former Information Minister Mohamed Nasheed, former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed and Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, who is serving as Foreign Minister in the current government and had served in that portfolio before too in the earlier government had claimed that the reason why they joined President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's government then was to bring democracy "from within."

Their contribution in this regard is immense concerning their key role in shaping Gayoom's Roadmap for the Reform Agenda. Despite the international pressure on the Gayoom government to democratize the state, it could not have been brought about unless Gayoom was willing and allowed the three "technocrats" to help him bring it about.

President Mohamed Nasheed was sworn in as the head of a new government with the promise of democracy as outlined by a reformed new constitution where power will be held in check and balance by the presence of independent institutions.

However, as is becoming apparent now, Nasheed's good faith has to be questioned because of the poor allocation of resources and running capital to these important autonomous institutions of the state, the institutions hardly given the resources necessary to even function at its minimal.

But consider how he is consolidating power for the Executive by shrewdly allocating Rf3.47 billion of this year's Rf7.44 billion government budget as solely for salaries of civil servants and political appointees.

Going back on his promise not to create a "top heavy" government, the President has created so many political posts, some redundant, and some which would give an unfair controlling edge for the Executive.

Among the posts created by Nasheed to serve his personal interests is the post of Island Councilors and administrative posts for the Provinces, political appointees who former Economics Minister Mohamed Jaleel dubbed "white elephants."

It is a wonder that the Parliament did not accept a proposal by the former government to change the articles in the Civil Service Act to designate Island Chiefs as political appointees while the Parliament has no qualms with Nasheed appointing a new batch of Island Councilors acting as political appointees.

The judiciary, another "estate" of democracy, is also independent only in name. During the first 100 days since Nasheed was sworn in November 11, there was hardly a case that ended with a vindication of the government.

And you tend to wonder: how much influence by the Executive was asserted on the transfer of Civil Court Senior Magistrate Shuaib Hussain to the Children's Court? And on what grounds the Executive can influence in the case of Maldives Tourism Development Cooperation in which 22,000 individual Maldives' citizens have a stake? Does the Executive also have a right to influence the workings of the Central Bank?

President Nasheed can casually suggest that anyone is free to challenge him in court if they feel that he is acting in contravention to the Constitution. But everybody knows that that will be a pointless move in a country where now it seems the Courts fail to vindicate the government on any issue.

Our public broadcaster Television Maldives used to employ staff who sang praises for Gayoom, but is it any different now? The same staff continue in employment so that the personality cult of Nasheed can in turn be strengthened.

With a brief period in which opposition parties enjoyed fair airtime on TVM just before the Presidential Elections, TVM has now gone back to being its former self -- the mouthpiece of the government of the day. It is no platform for alternate, opposing or dissenting views. During the first 100 days, we heard only "one-sided" news.

The Media Association, which was set up with the noble aim of upholding press freedom, and providing a platform for the press to voice its grievances, has been silenced. It is also amusing that rather than journalists assigned to the association, technicians from public broadcasters TVM and Voice of Maldives, also hold influential positions in the Association.

Earlier, we saw the former ruling party, the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, disrupt all gatherings, protests and demonstrations held by the now ruling party Maldivian Democratic Party. The tables have turned but it does not mean that President Nasheed should allow his party to embark on such dirty tactics that were earlier used by the DRP against his party. But no civility is now shown by MDP as well. MDP activists now gather at any sign of demonstration against the government and try to disrupt it. Has Nasheed forgotten that it is a constitutional right of every Maldivian citizen to demonstrate and protest to have his/her grievances heard? Is Nasheed forgetting that protests and demonstrations are carried out so that the wrongs done by the government can be publicized to pave way for the grievances to be addressed?

President Nasheed's government is turning out to be no different from that of his predecessor: stuck in a time-warp of recurring anti-democratic mentality and traditions.

Translated, er, loosely, into English from the original Dhivehi article for the convenience of the large English speaking audience in both Maldives and abroad

The Obedient Italian Wife!

2009-03-24T22:19:00.000+05:00

There was an Italian immigrant man who had worked all his life, had saved all of his money, and was a real miser when it came to his money.

Just before he died, he said to his Italian wife: "When I die, I want you to take all my money and put it in the casket with me. I want to take my money to the Afterlife with me."

And so he got his wife to promise him, with all of her heart, that when he died, she would put all of the money into the casket with him.

Well, he died. He was stretched out in the casket, his wife was sitting there - dressed in black, (what else), and her best friend was sitting next to her. When they finished the ceremony, and just before the undertaker got ready to close the casket, the wife said, "Wait just a moment!"

She had a small metal box with her; she came over with the box and put it in the casket. Then the undertaker locked the casket down and they rolled it away. So her friend said, "Girl, I know you were not fool enough to put all that money in there with your husband."

The loyal wife replied, "Listen, I'm an Italian Catholic & I cannot go back on my word. I promised him that I was going to put that money in the casket with him."

"You mean to tell me you put that money in the casket with him!?!?!?"

"I sure did," said the wife. "I got it all together, put it into my account, I wrote him a check.... If he can cash it, then he can spend it."

AMEN!

The truth of the matter is...

2009-03-24T15:04:00.002+05:00

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. Believe everything happens for a reason. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you might not get them back. I don't want to let that happen so I will tie you to my heart so I never lose you.

(I thank a special friend from Switzerland for sharing these thoughts :-))

Dating Rules: Secrets to Keep and Secrets to Spill

2009-03-23T21:20:00.001+05:00

Have you ever hidden something from him about your past (or present)? Or has he ever stunned you with a secret of his own? Here, couples reveal their biggest bombshells. Plus, learn which secrets you must spill -- and which ones to keep to yourself.

Full Story

The best and worst of dining in 2008 -- delivered with the usual punch by A A Gill, The Times Online food critic

2009-03-23T12:02:00.003+05:00

My tip for 2009 is: eat more lunch.

Everyone is going to do bargain offers to keep their dining rooms full. And some of these will be the best deals in the country.

And remember the waiters. Leave tips in cash and be generous. When money’s short, you should give more away. Their wages will be cut mercilessly. Restaurants are about hospitality, and the paunch of hospitality is generosity, and that should go both ways.

A A Gill reviews -- with his usual punch -- the best and worst of food and dining in 2008

Transsexual pregnant and expecting twins

2009-03-23T11:56:00.001+05:00

Ruben Noe Corando (right) was born as a woman, and has delayed her sex change in order to give birth to twins. Full Story

My Preciouse...

2009-03-22T19:15:00.005+05:00

This billboard by Allied Insurance company has been on Male's west coast (on Boduthakurufaanu Magu) for a long time.

There is a spelling mistake blatantly on display when they wrote "preciouse" instead of "precious."

A fellow blogger said that the STO subsidiary company had been much earlier notified of this mistake.

However, the mistake remains after all this time, when it could have been easily and simply corrected because that "e" is not in the middle of the word but at the end of it.

I've always thought that people who could not take care of simple little matters cannot be expected to undertake larger responsibilities.

Hence, I was wondering how sensible it will be for any Maldivian to trust Allied Insurance with their "life", when this gigantic company cannot take care of a matter as simple as a spelling mistake.

Dhivehi filmmakers shamelessly ask Anni to protect "copyright" of their Hindi rip-offs

2009-03-22T17:11:00.005+05:00

After reading this news item on Jazeera Daily, I was amused.

The filmmakers expressed to Anni their worry that their productions could be pirated because there was no copyright law in Maldives.

Anni told them that even with present regulations, their productions could be protected.

There is only one problem: whose copyright?

Does Maldives' filmmakers expect the government to protect their productions which itself has flaunted international copyright laws?

Do they expect Anni to protect their cheap rip-offs of films and music and video songs plagiarized from Hindi, English, Tamil and other productions?

How cheap and shameless can Maldives' filmmakers get to actually have the nerve to ask the President to protect material that has already broken international copyright laws?

What Anni should have told them instead is that he will never be an accomplice to their piracy, and instead force them to come up with their own original productions. That is, if there is still something called creativity left in them.

Credit to Mode for bringing this news item to the attention of the blogosphere

The insensitive beheader

2009-03-22T09:17:00.012+05:00

I originally planned to post this as a comment to Dr. Abdullah Waheed's blog but thought otherwise because it's a bit longer than a comment.

My title to this blog post doesn't make any sense I know because the executioner that Dr. Waheed mentioned in his blog post didn't make any sense to me at all.

Dr. Waheed in his new blog post titled "Crime and Capital Punishment" had inserted this interesting bit of information about this executioner from Saudi Arabia.

It was not relevant to the point of his post, only an additional tidbit to garner the interest of the casual reader who might not like to read the kind of serious heavy stuff that Dr. Waheed is talking about in this post, i.e. capital punishment.

"I inherited the job from my late father. At first, I used to accompany him. On my first mission, I was terrified. I wasn't afraid that the execution would fail. No. I was worried that if I failed, the people there would laugh at me," Saudi executioner Abdallah Al-Bishi told the interviewer in a program aired on Abu Dhabi TV recently.

What kind of psyche would lead to a man to be more concerned about being embarrassed at what others think, rather than being unable to digest the gravity, morbidity, and horror of what he is actually doing, my understanding being that in Saudi Arabia, they actually behead the condemned man with a sword.

I've always thought that capital punishment is a sort of "murder legalised by the state for the state" but, despite this, Western countries have stuck to things like hanging, lethal injection, or electric chair, so that the executioner do not have any direct physical contact in carrying out the act of violence against the condemned man.

But in the case of beheading, the executioner is directly cutting off the head of another human being with a sharp object like a sword.

Now I can see why undertakers are insensitive to dead bodies at morgues and funerals at cemeteries, but that is different. The undertaker has nothing to do with committing an act of killing; he merely becomes used to seeing dead bodies every day and so becomes insensitive.

But what about a beheader? Isn't beheading actually allowing a human being to directly physically carry out an act of violence against another human being (albeit with state approval)?

Isn't the state allowing a human's dark fantasies, and proneness to violence, to be nurtured and cultured?

Same goes for people who participate in the stoning of men and women to death.

So this particular beheader's comment that he is only afraid that others may think less of him if he fails to carry out the execution properly speaks volumes about his moral character.

He also goes on to mention:

"Once the mission is done, I feel relieved. I come home relaxed. I play with the children. We have fun. We have lunch. Sometimes we go out. Other times, we stay at home. Everything is normal. It has no effect on me."

It has no effect on him!

And he also has no qualms as having lunch directly afterward. I couldn't eat anything for the whole day on the day I watched the film "Faces of Death."

I guess, if this guy is to be believed, either something is psychologically very wrong with him, or he's telling the truth that a psychologically normal human being can become desensitized to killing human beings if you do it again and again.

But what is more disturbing is that this insensitive-ness seems to be passing on to his children.

Sometimes his children also join him. "We sit with him and have fun together. Sometimes, we join him for an execution. The first time I went there, I was frightened. When the first guy was executed, I stood a bit towards the back, but when I saw that there was nothing to it, and that there was no reason to be afraid, I came in closer to watch. There was no problem," Al-Bishi's son told the TV audience."

"There was nothing to it" the beheader's son claims!

I wonder what the world is coming to.

I believe that, as civilised human beings who shouldn't allow our violent streak to take over us, and instead be humble and loving of other human beings, we humans should seriously give a second thought when considering capital punishment, including if it is carried out in a way that allows one human to directly physically carry out the act of killing another human.

While this interview by Abu Dhabi TV gives an interesting insight into the moral character of beheaders, I have a feeling that this interview also is a thinly veiled attempt of the extremist Saudi Arabia trying to justify barbaric acts like beheading when more "modern" forms of execution methods are available, though personally I am against the taking of human life under any circumstances.

Dr. Hassan Saeed, always the progressive, moderate and modern Muslim, once told an audience of Maldivian journalists that things like beheading and stoning (which are considered inhumane acts by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) can be replaced with modern forms of punishment like prison.

"The idea of punishment in Islam is to deter crime. And if imprisonment, taking a person's most valuable thing which is his freedom, can discourage people from committing crime, that should suffice. We would not need to resort to ancient forms of punishment," he told a journalists training seminar held a few years back by Haveeru Daily at the seminar room of Maldives Center for Social Education (MCSE).

(The progressive Saeed also mentioned that he supports forensic evidence such as DNA testing but said that when he was Attorney General he met "strong opposition from Islamic scholars educated in the old ways". No doubt "scholars" who studied in the extremist dodgy madrassas of Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia).

I would never let my emotions take over me, and approve the taking of life of another human being however grave a crime he committed, because I've always felt that people become anti-social and commit crimes because their upbringing or physiology has "problems" and if otherwise, they would have turned out to be alright normal human beings. I don't believe anyone is inherently evil. In fact, I think all human beings are inherently good, but sometimes they are born with "software defects" or their "software becomes corrupted" later due to the circumsatnces of their upbringing. (Read Stephen Pinker's "The Blank Slate" and "How the Mind Works")

So if we have to punish anyone for what they turned out to be due to the circumstances of their childhood or due to naturally inherited physocological defects, the worst I can approve for any "criminal" is isolation (in prison) so that other members of the society are protected from any harmful actions they carry out.

How a curse is born -- according to some Maldives filmmakers

2009-03-21T20:14:00.002+05:00

I saw this poster of a horror Dhivehi film called "E-Sirru" (literally meaning "That Secret") directed by Maldives actor-producer-director Yoosuf Shafeeu or Eupe (well, that was how he had spelled his name on this particular poster).

Anyway, what caught my specific interest was this tag line: "When someone dies in the state of terror a curse is born."

The statement is made in such a casual sort of way you wonder whether that's a natural law (like that Physics' law "There will be an equal but opposite reaction for every action").

I mean, I always thought that things like "curses" were myths, figments of imagination, fantasies conjured by the human mind. So I was surprised to find out that there was a "natural law" explaining how a curse is, er, born.

A little, but quite trivial and inconvenient, problem is also evident in the tag line, because of the use of the word "the" when referring to "the state of terror."

Obviously what is meant here is that there is a specific situation of terror which gives birth to curses, not just any state of terror. So I was wondering what state of terror? Being killed? Being mutilated? Being eaten? Being burnt alive? etc etc.

Should I buy this DVD and watch this movie to enlighten myself on "That Secret" -- what exact circumstances leads to the creation of a curse?

Woman exercises husband to death

2009-03-20T13:48:00.001+05:00

Watch the video

Robotic fish to detect pollution

2009-03-20T13:43:00.003+05:00

LONDON (AFP) – A shoal of robotic fish which can detect pollution in the water are set to released into the sea off Spain, British scientists said Thursday.

The fish, which are some 1.5 metres long and resemble carp, will be fitted with detectors which can identify the sources of pollution, such as ship fuel or chemicals in the water.

Full Story

"Jurassic Park" era fish found according to Haveeru!

2009-03-19T21:08:00.005+05:00

Jurassic Park era? Not just Jurassic era? Then this fish must have lived in 1993 because that's the year Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park was released. So what's so special about a fish from 1993?

heheh. Hope Moosa Latheef is not offended by this post. I am sure it must be a slight oversight because of the hectic deadlines at Haveeru.

Original link to Moosa's article on Haveeru

Traffic Jam LIVE @ Alfresco Cafe canceled at last minute

2009-03-19T20:25:00.002+05:00

Traffic Jam LIVE @ Alfresco Cafe canceled at last minute. Don't know what more to say.

Paradise paved

2009-03-19T17:55:00.003+05:00

“When I was young, we lived in a peaceful environment without cares or worries,” said Ali Hussein, popularly known as Bonda Dhonthunthu. Sitting in a café overlooking Vilingilli, Dhonthu, a soft-spoken and elderly writer, points out to sea in the direction of Giraavaru, the island inhabited by the earliest Maldivians and the very people whom he has named his latest book after: “Fura-Male’: Inland from the wall”.

"He explains to me his decision to write the book was based on the transformation that has taken place in the capital since his youth. “In the past, when I was young, I saw goat sheds around Male’ and the beach like any other fishing island."

Full Story from MinivanNews.com

Traphic Jam LIVE @ Alfresco Cafe tonight from 9-11pm

2009-03-19T15:18:00.001+05:00

Traphic Jam LIVE @ Alfresco Cafe confirmed today by VTV for tonight (19.03.2009) from 9-11pm.

Come join the fun!

Note: This photo is property of Traphic Jam Facebook group and has been used by Alfresco Cafe for promotional purposes only.

iPods, iPhones "illegal" for Bill Gates' wife and children

2009-03-19T12:00:00.002+05:00

I felt sorry for Microsoft's Bill Gates' wife Melinda and their 3 children after reading this:

"In the latest issue of Vogue, Bill's wife, Melinda Gates, reveals that among the "very few things" on "the banned list in our household" are—you guessed it—iPods and iPhones. And even Melinda herself admits to an occasional pang of Apple envy: "Every now and then I look at my friends and say, 'Ooh, I wouldn't mind having that iPhone.'" (Ouch!)" Full Story

Redemption of a turtle killer

2009-03-18T17:04:00.000+05:00

At Banyan Tree resort, 24-year-old Mohamed Ali openly admitted to his past as a turtle poacher in Laamu atoll. Robert Tomasetti, a marine biologist at the resort, jovially described him as the “number one killer in the atoll”. Full story on MinivanNews.com

"Deen Goes Upheaval As Bandos Strike Continues"

2009-03-18T16:32:00.003+05:00

I wonder whether Maldives has run out people who knows basic grammar in English. Original link on Haama Daily