Purpose of MDP

The government has said that the current series of protests by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), led by former President Mohamed Nasheed and entitled ‘direct action’, are not peaceful and aims to create an atmosphere of crime.

Government Spokesperson Abbas Adil Riza referred to MDP’s statement that they will not stop the series of protests until the government is overthrown, and said that there is no reason to overthrow the government.

He said that Nasheed’s purpose of leading a crowd and taking to the streets is to obstruct the work of the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI).

“He is running out of options, and knows that he has no chance of returning to power. He is aware of what CNI’s investigations will reveal, so he is committing crimes, and creating an atmosphere of criminal activity. I urge Maldivian youth not to participate in this,” Abbas said.

He said that a demonstration is in no sense peaceful when protesters are encouraged to attack the Police, and advised against obeying Police orders.

He added that no country in the world will tolerate activities which encourage terrorism.

Abbas said that the current activities in Malé led by Nasheed are unacceptable, and called for an immediate end to these activities.

Members of MDP have said that they will not stop protesting until the government is overthrown or agrees to hold an early election.