Malé, Maldives – Maldives Police Service has revealed that a total of 28 individuals have been arrested during the ongoing protests by the opposition coalition which includes the Progressive Part of Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC).
Among the arrested include the President of PNC and current opposition leader Abdul Raheem Abdullah (Adhurey), Vice President of PPM and sitting MP of Guraidhoo constituency Mohamed Ghassaan Maumoon, as well as former MP of Hoarafushi constituency Mohamed Ismail and sitting MP of Nolhivaram constituency Mohamed Nasheed (Mosta).
As protests continue, the efforts of Maldives Police Service continue to break up the protest, citing that such gatherings are against the guidelines put forth by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) during the pandemic. Prior to the demonstrations, the Home Ministry and Police warned that legal action would be taken against those who violate the regulations, however, the opposition seem to have paid no need to it.
While arrests are being made during the protests being held on the streets of Male’ demanding justice for those who lost their flats in the government housing projects, many point out that no such repercussions were faced by the ruling party for holding a campaign launching event in Male’, despite the gathering having had comprised of more than 10 individuals.
Currently the Maldives is seeing a high number of Covid-19 cases with daily figures almost always above three digits, specially in the capital, on average.
