Police probe pro-Palestinian graffiti at American Centre
"I believe that such a veto by one country is dictatorship. But it is called democracy", he said.
By
Shahudha Mohamed
Police are looking into the case of an artist who painted graffiti outside the American Center in Male, in protest of US support for Israeli genocide against Palestinians.
Maldivian graffiti artist Ahmed Sobah on May 7 drew anti-American graffiti on the wall of the American Center in Male. In the graffiti, Sobah wrote that they were "terrorists who kill children”.
Police media officer told Atoll Times:
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A case of 'terrorist' being written on the wall of the American Center was reported on May 7
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No arrests have been made in connection with the case
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Police are investigating the incident
Sobah's lawyer Hamza Khaleel told Atoll Times that Sobah has now been summoned to the police for questioning. The charges against him are:
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Vandalism
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Criminal conspiracy
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Possession of criminal tools
"The charge is that the building was vandalised. But he didn't break a window or anything of the building. Sobah used a medium that could be easily erased. There were two glass doors on either side, but there was no spray on them either. Keeping this in mind, he sprayed the wall alone,"Hamza said.
Now, the graffiti on the wall of the American Center has been painted over and erased.
'Graffiti was for Palestine'
Sobah told Atoll Times that his purpose was to raise awareness about the ongoing massacre in Palestine. Sobah also said:
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The United States is one of the biggest supporters of Israel
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UN resolutions to stop attacks on Gaza are not passed because the United States uses its veto power to prevent it
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The United States has now vetoed several resolutions this way
"I believe that such a veto by one country is dictatorship. But it is called democracy. Even if many countries vote for it, it stops when the United States vetoes it. This is one of the reasons for the graffiti," Sobah explained.
"I wanted to send a message. A lot of countries in the world are speaking against the United States”.
Sobah has been an artist who has used graffiti and art to advocate for human rights and social injustices since former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's regime. He also criticised several leaders of the country during the process.
However, this is the first time he has been charged because of his graffiti.
Lawyer Hamza Khaleel told Atoll Times that Sobah's case is being investigated as a very 'serious' case by two high-level investigative officers who deal with major criminal cases.
Sobah believes that while the United States is spending billions on genocide, it is nothing in comparison to put a painting on a wall criticizing it. Sobah said he had not intended to damage the building.
He also apologised to everyone who was inconvenienced or experienced discomfort via his ‘artwork’. Sobah mentioned this in a statement he issued on X in connection with the case.
"I don't want to be famous. I'm talking about this because it's reached this point. It needs to be done, raising awareness about it," Sobah said.
When asked for comment, the American Center declined to comment as the matter has now been referred to the police.
Sobah said he is cooperating with the police investigation. He said he had confessed to drawing the graffiti and answered police questions honestly.
Maldives has always advocated for Palestinian rights and Maldives stands firmly opposed to Israeli actions across the Gaza strip. Sobah questions why his graffiti issue had escalated to the point of prosecution. He said he would continue to use art to express himself in such matters.
