Opposition alleges protesters being mistreated in Dhoonidhoo

The opposition coalition, composed of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), has accused the police of mistreating the protestors arrested from the rally held in Male’ City last weekend. 

17 protestors were arrested from the ‘Neyva Holhiah’ rally held by the opposition coalition in Male’ City on Friday. They include top politicians from PPM and PNC, parliamentarians, and members of local councils. 

Eight of the protestors, including Maavah MP Mohamed Saeed and Guraidhoo MP Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, were released on Saturday. Nine, including Male’ City Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh, remain at the Dhoonidhoo Custodial. 

The opposition coalition said on Sunday that the protesters detained in Dhoonidhoo were being treated. 

They expressed concern that all nine protestors were being detained in one cell, despite the spread of dangerous diseases such as diarrhea inside the center. 

The opposition coalition said that the cell where the protestors were being kept in was unclean, and unfit for human inhabitation.  

There have also been complaints of lack of hygiene in the food and drink provided to the protestors, said the opposition. 

“We call on the Human Rights Commission, National Integrity Commission, and other relevant institutions to look into this issue and take action,” appealed the opposition coalition. 

The opposition coalition said that the rally on Friday was held within the bounds of the right to freedom of assembly granted by the Constitution, but the police “enforced the government’s illegal orders at the instructions of the Indian High Commission.” 

The opposition has accused the police of pepper spraying citizens who stood by peacefully, and arrested and handcuffed citizens walking towards the Alimas Carnival. 

The rally was part of the ‘India Out’ campaign led by the opposition leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to protest against Indian military presence in Maldives. 

It was held despite warning by the police against holding the rally.