National Day begins with fights

Last night was no exception for the series of ongoing protests, which have lasted for more than a week. Most people had even forgotten that the day ahead was National Day, usually celebrated with pride. People were now used to gathering in front of MMA every night and calling for the release of Chief Judge of Criminal Court and for the resignation of President Nasheed. So as per usual after dinner, people left their homes to join the protest.

By 10.00pm a crowd had gathered and the vehicle with the speakers arrived. Similar to the night before, Police had placed barricades and taken security measures in the area in front of MMA.

Last night’s protest was likely to be different from other nights, as it was attended by several political individuals who were not seen before at the series of protests.

Crowds cheered with the arrival of new faces such as PPM Deputy Leader Umar Naseer, Gaumee Party Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed and Jumhooree Party Leader Gasim Ibrahim. Especially with Umar’s presence, people were certain that things will turn out differently last night.

They criticized and called for the resignation of the government leaders. Following instructions from the protest leaders, the crown began to move to other areas.

With the advice of PPM Parliamentary Group Member Ahmed Ilham, several protesters went near MNBC office and Raajje Radio. A Police vehicle parked in this area was hit by a stone thrown by a protester, breaking one side window.

As the Opposition Alliance moved towards MNBC area, a group of MDP protesters were observed near Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The protesters who arrived in front of JSC joined MDP protesters in calling for the independence of the judiciary and to expedite the investigation into Judge Abdulla’s case. MDP activists called to take steps against Judge Abdulla, using loudspeakers.

Subsequent to Police instructions to end the protest led by MDP Interim Chairperson Reeko Moosa Manik and MDP Vice President Alhan Fahmee, MDP activists moved towards MMA area. They called for the freeing of the judiciary, and as they were about to leave, the Police clad in riot gear held MDP’s vehicle containing speakers. At this point, confrontations took place between MDP activists and Opposition Alliance.

These confrontations were controlled by the Police with the use of pepper spray. They took away the wooden objects and knives used as weapons. Fortunately, the confrontations in front of MMA did not last long. MDP activists soon headed towards their main hall. The reason for this was rumors that crowds are planning to gather near MNBC.

As the Opposition Alliance moved forward on Ameenee Magu calling for the resignations of President Nasheed and Chief of Defence Force Moosa Ali Jaleel, they also announced their next destination. They turned into Buruzu Magu and then again into Ammenee Magu.

At this point, they began walking faster than usual.

As they arrived in front of Finance Ministry, a set of wooden planks poured on the protesters like rain. They came from the top of a restaurant in front of Finance Ministry building.

The Police present in the area were seen to attempt to save the protesters’ vehicle, instead of trying to stop the wooden planks from being thrown.

This whole incident sparked anger in the protesters, and they ran towards the MDP main hall located on the same road. A second later, they were seen running back again, away from MDP main hall. They were being chased by a group of people armed with wooden objects.

Soon the group which ran backwards turned again, this time armed with wooden objects as well. Now the situation had become utter chaos, and people ran for their lives. The entire road was filled with crowds fighting with each other and calling offensive names at each other.

A reporter of MNBC One had fallen down at the entrance of Broadcasting Commission. As he was heard to weep, a cameraman of the same station videotaped his situation.

MNBC journalist Moosa Naushad was attacked with a wooden object, and they continued to hit him even after he fell down. People who witnessed the incident say that the people who attacked him came from MDP main hall area. However they did not say that they came directly from MDP main hall.

Police and Defence Forces only managed to get things under control after several serious confrontations. Some people were using an electric shock device to attack people.

At this point, the Defence Force came into action more than the Police. They made arrests, got people to back down and began clearing the area. Protesters had disappeared into the dark narrow lanes.

As National Day began, several people were injured and had to be treated at the hospital. Several others will ‘celebrate’ National Day at Dhoonidhoo under Police observation. It was long past midnight when the protests last night ended.