Male’, Maldives – Opposition coalition of PPM and PNC protested at sea, on boats claiming that the former President, Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has been facing for the past year in prison.
On Saturday afternoon, the supporters of the opposition coalition gathered at the Hulhumale’ harbor to protest on the sea regarding what they claim are injustices the incumbent government is putting Yameen through for the past year. During their protest, they demanded the government to immediately release their president from prison.
During the protests, many were seen to be violating the guidelines and regulations placed with regards to Covid-19 in the country, something which the Vice President of PNC, Ibrahim Shujau asserted that they would not be adhering to, as the ruling party is not following the rules either. The guidelines given by HPA strictly says that public gatherings including over 30 individuals should be avoided at all costs as the Covid-19 risk has still not completely lowered in Maldives.
Despite this, opposition coalition informed that while the residents in Male’ area will be protesting on the sea, there will be more people protesting against the injustices Yamen is facing in 185 islands of Maldives.
The Former Maldives president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for money laundering in November 2019 with a fine of USD 5 million. This is because, Yameen received over USD 1 million of government money through a private company as part of a deal to lease a number of tropical islands for hotel development.
While Yameen serves his sentence, his verdict has been appealed at High Court and his supporters continue to protest on the streets, and on the sea of Male’ as well, demanding the release of their president.
