'Journey to Justice' camp dismantled

The Parliament has scheduled its opening session for today, following the unsuccessful attempt to hold it on 1 March. MDP Parliamentary Group has decided to impede today's meeting as well. Members of MDP will take to the streets to protest. The Parliament is scheduled to begin at 10:00.

09:25 - MDP protesters are gathered at Lonuziyaaraiy kolhu. They are ready, holding national flags and MDP flags. They are waiting for an indication from someone to go out on the streets. The activists in the area say that they will protests in three areas near the Parliament.

09:28 - MDP Parliamentary Group members arrived at the Parliament moments ago. They waited at Keneryge for a while before heading to the Parliament.

Members of Parliament of MDP arrive at the Parliament today -- Twitter photo: Ibrahim Shoppe

09:40 - Several MPs of MDP are waiting under the umbrella.

09:41 - MDP members make their way along Sosun Magu. One group head towards Majeediyya School, while the other group turns and walks on Majeedee magu.

09:45 - Government ministers and state ministers arrive at the Parliament. The session is scheduled to begin at 10:00.

09:47 - MDP members sit in front of Roashanee building on Sosun magu. Police are trying to send them away.

09:50 - MDP supporters are trying to break the barricades and enter the area. There is a large crowd gathered here.

Protest by MDP on Sosun magu this morning -- Sun photo: Mohamed Jailam

09:51 - President's Spokesperson Abbas on VTV:

He said that neither the former President nor any former Minister would give unrest on the streets a chance. If unrest is caused, arrests will be made immediately.

10:02 - Several members inside say that some MDP members are causing unrest inside the chamber. A delegation of IPU are observing the Parliament.

10:05 - Members waiting in the chamber today -- Twitter photo: MP Nihan

10:08 - Members waiting in the chamber today -- Twitter photo: MP Nihan

10:11 - Parliament is delayed because MDP member Ibrahim Rasheed is sitting on the Speaker's chair. Several MDP members are also trying to remove him.

10:14 - The Parliament session begins. Sixty members are present in the chamber.

10:18 - President Dr Waheed arrives at the Parliament. He was received by Deputy Speaker of Majlis Nazim.

10:19 - A moment of silence observed for Fath'hulla Jameel.

10:20 - Members are shouting, following allowing President Waheed to deliver the Presidential Address.

10:21 - Speaker of Parliament has advised all MPs to respect parliament regulations. He is reiterating this point.

From the unrest of today's parliament -- Twitter Photo: Nihan

10:22 - Alhan Fahmee's name has been called. Ali Waheed has been asked to return to his seat.

10:25 - Speaker of Majlis Shahid continues to advise members. They are chanting "traitor, triator'. Ali Waheed and Dhaandhoo MP Riyaz are standing in front.

10:27 - MDP members are hitting the desks to make noise, even using the Constitution to hit the desks. They are following a rhythm.

MDP members shouting in the Parliament -- Twitter Photo: Nihan

10:28 - Dhaandhoo MP Riyaz has been warned, then asked to leave the chamber.

10:30 - It has been announced that the session is interrupted to remove Alhan and Dhaandhoo MP Riyaz.

10:40 - There was no red carpet welcome for the President when he arrived at the Parliament today. He went directly from the car to inside the Parliament gate. He still at the Parliament.

10:42 - Police Alert:

Police advise people to protest peacefully.

10:45 - Military are observed entering the chamber.

10:46 - Some MPs say that efforts are underway to remove the two members whose names have been called. Two MNDF officers are working on this inside the chamber.

10:50 - President's Spokesperson Abbas on VTV:

Abbas said that the President is prepared to go into the chamber to deliver the Presidential speech. He is waiting for the Speaker to allow him to do so.

10:54 - About 15 military officers have removed Alhan from the chamber. Confrontations took place between MPs and military.

10:57 - About 15 military officers are attempting to remove Dhaandhoo MP Riyaz from the chamber as well. MDP members are obstructing security.

10:58 - Protesters near Majeediyya School on Sosun magu have started throwing objects at the Police. They are trying to break the shields of Riot Police.

11:00 - The protest at Sosun magu/ Majeedee magu junction has turned to unrest. A Police officer has been injured in the head. Pepper spray has been used.

11:01 - 'Neelan' shops area has been set on fire. Huge flames and smoke can be seen.

Twitter Photo: Shoppe

11:09 - The fire is spreading, cannot be controlled.

11:10 - Military arrive in Sosun magu. The protest is heating up.

11:13 - Explosions are heard from the burning area. People are removing flammable equipment from the area.

11:16 - Police advise to break up the protest on Sosun magu.

11:26 - About five Police personnel have been injured and taken to the hospital. Some injuries look like they were caused using sharp objects.

11:28 - Police have announced that the ongoing protest is no longer peaceful. They are repeatedly warning that the protest will be broken up.

11:34 - Former President Nasheed has said that he will lead today's protest. However Nasheed has not been seen so far today.

11:39 - Protesters are throwing various objects at the Police. Several people have been arrested, the exact number is not yet known.

11:43 - Some Members of Parliament say that computer and mic systems in the chamber are damaged. They say that MDP members are physically holding on to Dhaandhoo MP Riyaz.

11:46 - Protesters have been moved back, up to Sindhithaa on Sosun magu. Police have taken over the protesters' pick-up, and are arresting people who disobey orders.

11:51 - Confrontations continue between Police and protesters on Sosun magu. People say that two Police personnel have been injured.

11:53 - VTV signal has been cut off. Information has been received that protesters attacked VTV.

11:54 - All windows of VTV have been broken. The canisters thrown by the Police are being thrown back at the Police by protesters. Protesters are continuously throwing bricks at VTV.

11:57 - Baarah MP Shifaz has been taken to the hospital in an ambulance. It is understood that Shifaz fell and injured himself during the attempts to remove Riyaz from the chamber. What happened exactly is not yet clear.

12:01 - VTV is back on air. Serious damage has been caused to VTV.

12:01 - Unrest still ongoing inside the chamber. A chair was destroyed a while ago. Several members have sustained minor injuries.

From the parliaments chamber -- Twitter Photo: Nihan

12:03 - Dhaandhoo MP Riyaz has also been removed from the chamber. Some MDP members have suffered minor injuries.

12:04 - Abbas Adil Riza on DhiTV:

It is not out of fear that the people who torch and damage buildings are not arrested. Necessary steps will be taken.

12:11 - More military and police personnel arrive near VTV.

12:16 - An sms sent by Home Ministry to Media operators says that steps will be taken against those who create unrest, damage state and private property, and cause serious harm to police and military.

12:20 - Some reporters say that protesters threaten and harass reporters and other media-affiliated personnel.

An injured Police officer being treated -- Sun photo: Hussain Hassan

12:21 - Dhaandhoo MP Riyaz has been brought to ADK. The extent of his injuries is not yet known.

12:24 - Some members have said that the Majlis is preparing to recommence. While some members are waiting near the umbrella, others are waiting inside.

12:29 - Parliament session begins again. Calls of 'traitor' is still heard.

12:30 - President Waheed is seated, with a smile on his face, in the chair dedicated for the President. Eva and Ali Waheed were standing in front of him. Their names have been called after first being given advice.

12:31 - Madaveli MP Nazim's name has been called. Parliament session halted until the three members whose names were called are removed from the chamber. MDP members are chanting, 'traitor'.

12:33 -

There is absolutely no excuse for the international community to ignore Anni's (former President Nasheed's) anarchic behavior.

— Mohamed Waheed (@DrWaheedH) March 19, 2012

12:33 - Speaker of Majlis Shahid and President Waheed have both left the Parliament

12:34 -

MDP MPs refuse to let Majlis function. Anni must take responsibility for the chaos as he is directing the chaos in Male'.

— Mohamed Waheed (@DrWaheedH) March 19, 2012

12:35 - Names have been called of Mohamed Rasheed,Thoddoo MP Ali Waheed, and Madaveli MP Nazim. Speaker of Parliament said that the Parliament session will begin after they are removed from the chamber.

12:39 - Both Speaker of Majlis Shahid and President Waheed were present when the Parliament session recommenced after the removal of two members. Members of MDP then began making noise, calling "traitor". They banged water bottles to create noise; the President smiled while holding the Presidential Address in his hand. Speaker of Majlis repeatedly advised members to respect the Parliament rules and regulations. Three members' names were called, and the session was halted again. The President followed Shahid outside the chamber. He was still smiling and calm.

12:51 - Statement by Police Integrity Commission:

The Commission condemns the throwing of stones and other objects by protesters at the Police. We advise protesters to allow Police to perform their duties. We note the patience exercised by the Police in controlling the protests, and urge them to continue in this manner and refrain from using excessive force.

12:54 - Military personnel enter the Parliament chamber once again. They are attempting to remove the members whose names have been called from the chamber.

12:57 - Milandhoo MP Ibrahim Riza has been removed from the chamber.

12:59 -

I entered the Parliament floor. MDP disruptions continue.

— Mohamed Waheed (@DrWaheedH) March 19, 2012

13:04 - Thoddoo MP Ali Waheed -- Photo Twitter: MDP news

13:07 - Mohamed Rasheed (Kubey) has also been removed by military personnel. Madaveli MP Nazim left the chamber on his own when his name was called. Ali Waheed has not been removed. "Doubt" has been created whether Ali Waheed's name was called.

13:11 - Members say that the session is once again ready to begin.

13:12 - Majlis begins again. Maafannu Dhekunu MP Ibrahim Rasheed (Bondaa)'s name has been called. The President is seated on the chair dedicated for him. Bondaa was seen waving his hands and throwing objects in front of the President .

13:13 -

Today's protests are declared as violent. All necessary non-lethal force would be used to disperse the crowds.

— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) March 19, 2012

13:14 - Parliament halted until Bondaa is removed. President is still calm, with a smile on his face. Shahid and President Waheed leave the chamber.

13:17 - Maafannu Dhekunu MP Ibrahim Rasheed is shouting "traitor" at President Waheed, and continues to use extremely offensive language at President Waheed.

He goes up to the chamber door and says, "Waheed you f..."

Maafannu Dhekunu MP Ibrahim Rasheed at the chamber today -- Twitter photo: Nihan

13:22 -

1 civilian reported injured till now & 8 officers injured; 1 officer with very serious injuries

— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) March 19, 2012

13:23 -

I was elected by the people. I will perform my constitutional duty. #Maldives

— Mohamed Waheed (@DrWaheedH) March 19, 2012

13:24 -

All my life I was trained for this moment. I will uphold the constitution.

— Mohamed Waheed (@DrWaheedH) March 19, 2012

13:22 - Parliament session begins again. President has been requested to commence delivery of Presidential Address.

13:26 - President commences his speech. MDP members are making noise. The President continues his speech.

13:27 - President's security personnel are removing people who are attempting to harm the President. Speaker of Parliament is calling out more names of members.

13:28 - Delivery of Presidential Address is interrupted, when Speaker of Majlis Shahid announced that that the speech is halted until some members are removed from the chamber.

13:30 - The President said in his speech that he will not influence the state powers. He advised political leaders not to obstruct benefits of the Constitution. MDP members surrounded him and shouted at him, while he was attempting to deliver the Presidential Address.

13:35 - The President has left the chamber, smiling and waving at MPs. No sign of nervousness is visible on his face.

13:37 - MDP Member Bondaa has spit at the President's chair and Speaker's desk, and shouted using offensive language.

13:38 - Due to MDP protests, the President had to attempt three times before he could begin the Presidential Address. Nonetheless, he shows no sign of tiredness.

13:55 - Police Alert:

Police say that eight police personnel have suffered injuries, with one officer in serious condition. They also say that only one protester was injured.

13:58 - It has been confirmed to Sun Online that a large Police team are headed towards former President Nasheed's residence G. Keneryge. Police did not give more information, but did not deny this. Despite saying that he will participate in today's protest, Nasheed was not seen among protesters today.

14:01 - President addresses the assembly again.

14:06 - President is delivering his speech in spite of MDP protests.

Photo: Member Nihan

14:07 - Presidential Address has been delivered.

14:16 - President Waheed has just left the Parliament office.

14:20 - Attorney General Azima Shakoor:

President Waheed has shown us a perfect example of patience and courage. The people have witnessed all this. Being amiable and gentle is not a weakness.

14:45 - MDP protesters have started gathering near VTV again. Police are guarding the area.

16:08 - Military clad in full kit enter MDP protest area

16:11 - Police have started warning people to leave Raalhugan'du area. They have used tear gas as well.

16:13 - Crowds of MDP supporters are in the area. All roads leading up to Raalhugan'du area are crowded, congested.

16:14 - Media also asked to remain outside Police lines.

16:14 - Housing Minister Dr Muizzu has told reporters at an ongoing press conference at President's Office, that Raalhugan'du area has not been released to City Council. He said that the people who remain there do so illegally. He advised them to leave the area.

16:18 - Raalhugan'du area is cleared, everybody has been sent away. Police and military are in the area.

16:23 - Arrests are being made at Raalhugan'du.

16:24 - Police said that this area is used to encourage assault and other crimes. Police are using loudspeakers and saying that if protesters confront them, they will use necessary force.

16:26 - Attorney General Azima Shakoor said that Raalhugan'du area belongs to Ministry of Defence, not City Council.

16:29 - The people at Raalhugan'du have been pushed back up to Tuscaloosa.

16:33 - Kids playing football have also been removed from the area. Some 'gaadiyas' have been shut down. Police and military are clearing the area.

16:39 - Police have given the opportunity to five members of each media to observe the events at Raalhugan'du area. They are advising reporters to keep their passes on.

16:41 - Police are removing objects such as metal clubs from the area. They are checking individual stations.

16:42 - Police forensic teams are working in the area, taking photographs and removing certain objects.

16:48 - Police remove several speakers from the area.

16:55 - Police and military tear down the stations at Raalhugan'du

16:58 - People who tried to enter through Family Court side have been sent away.

17:00 - Police have asked people to provide them with photos and videos of violence inflicted on buildings, property and Police personnel.

17:07 - Police find hammers and wooden clubs in some stations.

17:11 - Police continue to tear down the stations. Not much unrest is taking place.

17:13 - Police use tear gas at the crowd near Family Court.

18:13 - All stations except one have been dismantled. Only a control room and the station remain standing.

18:15 - Police find a case of about 20 beer cans at the stage area.

18:19 - Police said that the case contains 24 cans of unopened beer.

18:20 - The alleged cans of beer were in a styrofoam case. The case was labelled 'Bilaiydhoo women's branch' and 'Journey to Justice'.

18:32 - Police have shown the beer cans to MDP Vice President Alhan Fahmee. Alhan is talking to the Police.

18:33 - Alhan requested the Police to "check the area as much as they wish to". He asked the Police to not act in ways that might harm MDP members.

Alhan has left the area.

18:45 - Police have found a plastic barrel containing a substance suspected to be alcohol. Police have taken this barrel on board their vehicle.

18:48 - Police have arrested four people who tried to obstruct Police work.

18:51 - Police say that they have found a 20-liter plastic barrel containing liquor suspected to have been brewed in the Maldives. Police say that they have shown this barrel to media.

19:00 - Police have chased away a group of people who tried to break the Police line near Family Court.

19:08 - Police disperse the crowd near Tuscaloosa.

19:14 - People have started gathering near Tuscaloosa again. Objects are thrown at the Police.

19:19 - Police first warned, then dispersed the crowd near Tuscaloosa.

19:23 - Police said that 92 people have been taken into custody so far in today's unrest.

19:27 - MDP Statement:

MDP has strongly condemned the police and military raid on their "Journey to Justice" camp established at Lonuziyaaraiy kolhu. They said in a statement released today that Male' City Council had leased the area to MDP till the end of July. They expressed disapproval that Police raided the area without prior notice, dismantled the entire camp, and destroyed the electronic and other equipment located in the area. They also noted that the act was against article 27 of the Constitution which allows every citizen the freedom to expression and protest. MDP expressed concern that the Police had undermined and violated the mandate of the City Council.

20:36 - MDP sms:

A 'Journey to Justice' meeting will be held behind Dharubaaruge at 9:00 tonight.