Mohamed Latheef (died 3 July 2022), more popularly known as Gogo Latheef, was a Maldivian politician, a former parliamentarian and a campaigner for human rights. He is a co-founder of the MDP (Maldivian Democratic Party), a political party in the Maldives. He was self-exiled in Sri Lanka for a number of years.

Background

Latheef has alleged that his father and close relatives were killed while in prison during the regime of the former Maldivian President Ibrahim Nasir. Latheef, who was himself a member of parliament and once a close associate of President Gayoom, was held in solitary confinement for three months without any charges being brought against him. He was also named a Prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International in 2002. As well as being a cofounder, he was also the Spokesperson of the MDP. While Latheef was living in exile in Sri Lanka, he was subjected to threats by the Maldivian government. He is the father of Jennifer Latheef, a journalist who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her alleged involvement in the civil unrest of 2003. Latheef was the Human Rights Ambassador of the Maldives.

Early life and education

He was born in the island of GdH. Thinadhoo. Latheef was educated in Sri Lanka, first at Trinity College, Kandy and then at the Royal College, Colombo.

Death

He died from a long-term illness at Nawaloka Hospital in Sri Lanka.