People dismissed for participating in protests to receive legal assistance

Opposition groups have announced their decision to provide legal assistance to those who are dismissed for participating in protests.

Speaking at a press conference at Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Office today, former Minister of State for Law and Gender Sidhatha Shareef said that dismissal and demotion of people who participate in protests, is against the law.

She said that these rights are protected in the Employment Act.

Also at the press conference, former Managing Director of State Trading Organisation (STO) Adam Azim criticised the government and said that dismissal of civil servants while promising to create 94,000 jobs, was unacceptable.

He highlighted that the consequences of the dismissal are suffered not just by the person, but by his entire family.

The group noted that 12 people have been dismissed so far for participating in protests.

They said that people dismissed for participating in protests include employees of Fenaka Corporation, Aviation Security Command, and State Electric Company (STELCO), and urged anyone who is subjected to such treatment to share their experiences.