Malé, Maldives – The opposition have decided to pay no heed to the warnings by Maldives Police Service regarding the violation of the Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) guidelines during the pandemic, and continue to protests on the streets of Malé as planned.
The protest started in front of the office of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), with protestors demanding justice for those who they claim had lost their flats from the government housing project.
This comes as Police attempt to stop the protests with officers armed in riot gear and arrest key leaders of the opposition prior to the demonstrations, including former MP of Hoarafushi constituency Mohamed Ismail and sitting MP of Nolhivaram constituency Mohamed Nasheed (Mosta).
While protests continue, both Police and the Home Ministry of Maldives issued prior warnings that no such activity would be allowed which violates the guidelines of HPA, with necessary action to be taken for any defiance.
However, many point out inconsistencies in the actions taken against the opposition, and the general public for holding events and protests in Malé for violating the guidelines which state that events and gatherings of more than 10 individuals would not be allowed, while the ruling party was allowed to host the launching of their local council election campaign in a grand event which was broadcasted on national television.
During this time, it is noteworthy that the number of Covid-19 cases in the Maldives is on the rise and that a daily figure of more than 100 is recorded from just the capital on average.
