16 including Adhurey arrested from opposition protests

Abdul Raheem Abdulla (Adhurey being arrested during council election preponement protests | Photo: AdduLive

Malé, Maldives – Maldives Police Service has arrested 16 individuals in Malé, from the opposition protest held in the city today, as part of their weekly Friday demonstrations.

Among arrested was the leader of the opposition coalition, Abdul Raheem (Adhurey), along with opposition council members, and supporters of the opposition from the general public.

While the opposition were faced with the consequences of violating the preventative measures put in place by Health Protection Agency (HPA), such as the banning of being out in public in groups of more than five, many have pointed out that the law enforcement authorities keep turning a blind eye to the same violations when made by the ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

While the opposition protests were ongoing, MDP held the opening event of a campaign office in Hulhumalé, which was attended by the Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed, as well as several other members and supporters of the party.

Images taken from the event showed that the number of attendees to at least exceed ten. However, no action was taken against the group.

According to the HPA guidelines, violations of the set preventative measures would result in a fine of MVR 1,000 for first timers.