Protests were peaceful: MDP

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said that their protests were peaceful and that a number of people were attacked, harmed and arrested by the police last night.

The party said that all those who were arrested last night were taken into custody while they were exercising their right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, and that these rights are guaranteed by the constitution. They strongly condemn the actions of the police.

“Police have arrested a number of people who belong to, and support the party, who took part in last night’s peaceful national rally organized by MDP. Amongst those arrested include Home Minister during president Nasheed’s presidency Hassan Afeef, and Ahmed Saeed (Gahaa Saeed). All those who were arrested had not taken party in any unlawful action and they were arrested against the law.” said MDP.

The party said that the police have called to restrict the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are rights guaranteed the constitution. They also said that the party will not stop its efforts to defend these rights.

Police have said that the protests held last night were not peaceful. They said that MDP supporters have come onto the streets and tried to disturb the peace in the capital.

A number of people, including members of the public, police and the military were injured during the “rally” held by MDP.