Gov’t condemns protest on soaring price of commodities

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

 Murshid Abdul Hakeem

The Maldivian government has condemned the protest on soaring price of commodities and services held Saturday night in the capital, Male’.

In a press release the government said that they condemn the “violent protests” organised by “around 300-400 supporters of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.”

The government said that scores of people were injured and shops and private property were damaged when protestors hurled bricks and other projectiles at the police.

According to the press statement, the police responded to the unprovoked assault with tear gas and made several arrests. The press release said that the protest was orchestrated by the Z-DRP, a faction of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, which is under the control of former President Gayoom.

Gayoom was President of the Maldives for 30 years, until he was unseated by President Nasheed in the country’s first democratic elections in late 2008.

“The government condemns the violence perpetrated by some of Gayyoom’s supporters last night,” said President’s Office Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair.

“Peaceful political activity, such as the right to protest, is legal – and indeed welcome – in the Maldives’ new democracy. But there can be no excuse for needlessly causing violence in the streets,” added Zuhair.

“We have numerous peaceful political rallies, protests, petitions and other forms of legitimate democratic activity throughout the year, which is a healthy part of our democracy. However, whenever Gayyoom’s supporters take to the streets, it always seems to end in violence and bloodshed,” Zuhair added.

Reader Comments

Post a comment

 characters available



The opinions expressed here are those of the individual authors and commenters and do not necessarily represent the views of Miadhu News Daily. We do not take responsibility for the opinions, facts, or claims presented by individual authors or commenters, and reserve the right to moderate or delete inappropriate comments.

Miadhu Opinion Poll
  • Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.