I think our human rights record is very good. ... there is no systematic human rights abuses in the Maldives, there are no arbitrary arrests and peop… - Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

When asked about why the opposition members were arrested, Gayyoom replied "Violence, Violence, Violence"

Yes, because that conceals their character. You don't know who you are talking to. Who you are dealing with. So, the face should be seen. That is even in Islam, even during the time of the holy Prophet Mohammed, women used to have bare faces. I mean women did not cover their faces. "

These people where inciting people to violence. That is not allowed in any country, in any democracy. You don't allow that in the United Kingdom, you don't allow that in the United States, or anywhere in the world.