PPM: PPM is not a party that instigates upheaval, that is a trait of MDP

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has stated that they are not a political party that at any point has instigated upheavals or creates spaces for such things.

PPM said this in a statement released today – regarding the Police impediment of a planned motorcycle rally for this evening at Male’ City by the party based on information received of intentions to cause disturbances. 

Expressing concern over the impediment – PPM said that the motorcycle rally was organized after discussions with the Police, as well as to having gotten approval from the government.

Condemning the act – the party alleged that the motorcycle rally was obstructed through undue influence by prominent political figures.

In addition to this, PPM said that the statement released by the claiming to have received information of intention to cause disturbances was not true. They also added that instigating upheavals is not one of their attributes, but rather an attribute of MDP.

 “This party has never instigated upheavals nor have created space for such things. Every Maldivian citizen can tell from past events that such things are instigated by the current main ruling party, MDP,” they had said.

PPM also said that the Police used excessive force to impede the motorcycle rally – which has injured many youths and damages a lot of vehicles

The Police statement released regarding the motorcycle rally read that they are impeding it based on information received of intentions to cause disturbances – as such acts pose threats to a large number of people. They added that they will not give the chance to hold the motorcycle rally in a manner that threatens public order and security.