Parliament sitting delayed due to lack of quorum, begins amid usual chaos

Today’s parliament sitting has commenced, amid the sound of megaphones by opposition MPs, after it was delayed due to lack of quorum.

The live feed of the sittings issued to media stations by the parliament has been suspended, making it difficult for reporters and the public to follow the events.

Items on today’s agenda include debate on an amendment bill to the Penal Code, submitted by Makunudhoo MP Anara Naeem; and the presentation of the report by the Privileges Committee on the recent arrests of MPs Ali Azim and Fayyaz Ismail.

MPs of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have protested at every parliament sitting this year, calling for former President Mohamed Nasheed’s release.