Third session begins amid protests

The third session of the parliament began this morning amid protests by MPs of the main opposition party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

MPs of MDP are calling for the release of former president Mohamed Nasheed, who has been convicted of terrorism and sentenced to prison for 13 years.

The first item on the agenda was questioning Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Dr Mohamed Muizzu, by MDP’s Addu-Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam. This was done amid protests.

Arguments also took place between MDP MPs and pro-government MPs.

Progressive Party of Maldives’ (PPM) Vilimalé MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik said that the parliament should not be dominated by one party.

“Some MPs do whatever they want here. There’s no order to hold a parliament sitting. This is not how we should act after inviting ministers here,” said Nihan.

MDP also protested using whistles and horns for a long duration, during the second session of the parliament.