Male: Dozens of pro-opposition supporters were injured and many were arrested after police in the Maldives broke up countrywide protests demanding the resignation of President Yameen Abdul Gayoom and the release of his political opponents from prison. Thousands of people took part in the protests in the archipelago nation despite the country being under a state of emergency.
Several people were hospitalised with injuries and many protesters were arrested, but hospital and police officials refused to provide numbers. The injured included about 10 reporters who were covering the protest. Police said the demonstrators had ignored warnings that the right to protest has been suspended under the state of emergency. “In spite of the warning, certain political leaders encouraged citizens to face off against security services personnel,” police said. The Maldives has been in a political turmoil since February 1.
Emergency extended
Gayoom government has, meanwhile, extended emergency in the island nation by another 30 days after an extraordinary meeting of the national security committee of the Majlis (parliament). Yameen’s latest action is certain to strain ties with India even further.
For one, there is almost no possibility of Maldives sending any special envoy to India in the near future. In fact, according to Indian government sources, there is no request from Maldives for new dates to send a special envoy to New Delhi.
According to reports, a total of 38 MPs voted to accept the decree and forwarded it to the National Security Committee for evaluation. All opposition MPs boycotted the sitting, alleging it was held unconstitutionally. At least 43 MPs need to be present at the Majlis chamber for a decree to pass.
Under the emergency law of February 5, Yameen had two Supreme Court judges arrested, accusing them of corruption. Later, the remaining three judges annulled the order to release Yameen’s opponents. In the past couple of days, Yameen has insisted the rule of law would prevail. Reports from the island said he had called for an all-party meeting though that might be a little difficult in the present circumstances, with most of the opposition leaders in prison or in exile.
