Protest organizers agree to a peaceful demonstration

The two groups to be involved in Friday’s protest have come to an agreement to demonstrate peacefully. A “Mass Protest” is being planned by religious organisations and opposition parties, while MDP will hold a protest for “Support for Moderation” in parallel.

Anticipating a threat to the country’s peace, President of Adhaalath Party Imran Abdulla and Abdulla Mohamed, a key player in the religious alliance, were summoned to and questioned by the National Defense Committee of the Majlis.

When asked for assurance that there will be no violence at the protests by Ali Waheed, speaker of the Committee, both parties agreed that peace will not be compromised.

“We assure you that the mass protests will be carried out peacefully. As the organisers of this event, we have no intention of damaging the government’s or any private person’s property,” Abdullah Mohamed said.

Imran Zahir, member of MDP’s organising committee said, “We have no plans other than to voice our opinions in a peaceful manner”.

When asked by Ali Waheed about participation of children in the protest, MDP replied that no children will be involved. The religious alliance, however, could not give the same assurance.

“We will not deny anyone who wants to participate in the protest. We call for everybody who supports us to take part,” Abdullah Mohamed said.

Chairperson of MDP Reeko Moosa Manik asked if Adhaalath party has taken the case of the government working against Islam to court, as accused by them. Replying ‘yes’ to this question, Sheikh Imran said that request to meet with the Judge of the Supreme Court with regard to this matter was denied, and the reason given was that the Judge does not wish to meet with any Political Party. He further said that the case regarding the call for religious freedom in the country has been submitted to the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Police.

Imran Zahir of MDP, who was present at the meeting, said that MDP does not oppose the mass protest. He also said that they will not protest against Islam, and will carry out the demonstrations within the limits of the right to voice their opinions.

Both parties indicated that they have received full cooperation of the police in organising this protest. The case, indicating a threat to peace in the country, was submitted to the national defense committee by Reeko Moosa Manik. Also present at the questioning were the leaders of the Military. Commissioner of the Police Ahmed Faseeh and Chief of Defense Force Moosa Ali Jaleel said that they are well prepared for any violence during the protest.