It has been 21 years since the brutal death of Evan Naseem in Maafushi Prison, an event that ignited a nation’s fight against oppression and marked the beginning of the end for a decades-long dictatorship in the Maldives.
On 19 September 2003, Naseem, a young prisoner, was mercilessly beaten by prison guards, an act of violence that would have far-reaching consequences for the country. His death exposed the systemic injustice and brutality within the Maldives’ penal system, triggering widespread public outrage and protests in Malé and beyond.
This pivotal moment in Maldivian history galvanised the nation to rise against fear and demand an end to the dictatorial rule of then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. What began as an outcry over police brutality soon evolved into a national movement for democracy, with thousands of citizens taking to the streets in a show of defiance.
Opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, in a message shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, reflected on this painful chapter in the country’s history. “This is the day when the people of Maldives had the courage to overcome their fears and end a dictatorial and oppressive regime. The struggle to end the culture of injustice by shedding the blood of many people is the basis for the freedom and fundamental rights we see today,” he wrote.
Naseem’s death, followed by the government’s violent response to prison protests, opened the eyes of many to the harsh realities of life under an authoritarian regime. For years, the people had endured repression, with little hope of justice. But in the wake of the tragedy, the public’s courage in the face of state violence marked a turning point. It was a moment that fuelled the momentum for democratic reform and set the stage for the Maldives’ first multi-party elections in 2008.
As Ismail noted, the events of September 2003 are not just a chapter of the past but a lesson for the present. “The events of September 2003 are events that today’s youth should study history and learn lessons from,” he urged. Indeed, it is essential for the younger generation to remember this day – not only to honour the memory of Evan Naseem and others who suffered but also to understand the cost of the freedoms and rights they enjoy today.
The aftermath of Naseem’s death is a poweful reminder that the freedoms Maldivians now hold dear were not freely given. They were hard-won through the sacrifices and struggles of those who stood up against injustice, often at great personal risk.
As the Maldives reflects on this dark anniversary, it is a time to reaffirm the values of justice, equality, and freedom. The country has come a long way since the days of dictatorship, but the journey is far from over. Holding onto the hard-earned rights and freedoms will require continuous vigilance and the willingness to challenge any forms of oppression that may arise.
Today, Evan Naseem’s memory stands as a symbol of the Maldives’ fight for a better future – a future where the rights of every citizen are protected and where justice prevails.
