MP Shaheem injured as violence breaks out in parliament

Kanditheemu MP Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem was injured during violence that broke out between pro-government MPs and opposition MPs on Sunday over the approval of the cabinet.

A video viral on social media shows MPs gathered near the speaker’s chair and engaged in a physical altercation.

MP Shaheem is seen thrown on the ground. He reportedly sustained a laceration to the head and has been transported to the hospital for treatment.

Mathiveri MP Hassan Zareer was also reported injured.

The main opposition MDP decided to withhold parliamentary approval to four members of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet ahead of the voting on the cabinet slated for 1:30pm this afternoon. Subsequently, pro-government MPs initiated a protest, obstructing the parliamentary sitting from proceeding.

MDP passed a three-line red whip to withhold approval to four cabinet ministers, including the attorney general.

They are:

• Ahmed Usham, attorney general
• Mohamed Saeed, economic minister
• Dr. Ali Haidar, housing minister
• Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Islamic minister

Meanwhile, the Democrats, which announced an alliance with MDP last week, have decided they will not approve three of the ministers. But instead of Shaheem, they decided they will withhold support to Moosa Zameer, the foreign minister.