Nihan Zafar

I am a dissident from Maldives living in exile. For some, Maldives is a picture-perfect paradise; for others, it is a hell-hole of human rights abuses and torture.

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Latest posts by Nihan Zafar

Maldives: Election fever in blogosphere

The presidential election being held in Maldives is the first multi-party election in the country. This election is believed by many Maldivians as their chance to bring democracy to a...

15 October 2008

Maldives: Non-Muslims to be Barred from Citizenship?

On 7 August, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the President of the Maldives, and Asia's longest serving ruler, ratified the amended constitution of the country. It culminated a process of constitutional amendment that lasted four years. One controversial amendment would prevent non-Muslims from becoming citizens of the Maldives, curtailing freedom of religion in the country.

14 August 2008

Maldives: Inhumane Treatment of Migrant Workers

The Maldivian government was able to prevent Bangladeshi migrant workers’ community in the capital Malé from holding a demonstration on Friday, by using the threat of deportation. The Bangladeshi community,...

3 September 2007

Maldives: Secret Haven for Pedophiles

Maldivian bloggers are expressing outrage over the prevalence of child sexual abuse in the country and the lack of firm action by the government to address the issue. Maldives has...

6 August 2007

Maldives: Torture Techniques in Paradise

The blog Groundsix notes some of the torture techniques used on detainees and prisoners in the Maldives. Putting in stocks: The victim is restrained with his or her ankles and...

26 February 2007

Press freedom watchdogs slam Maldives

Major international press freedom watchdogs have recently slammed the Maldives for the Indian Ocean country’s bad record in press freedom. Reporters without Borders (RSF) has criticized the Maldives for violations...

7 February 2007

Maldives struggles with Chikungunya

Chikungunya, a viral fever accompanied with joint pains, is spreading throughout the Maldives. The disease was first noticed in the country in late 2006 and so far it has not...

30 January 2007