Police tear gas protest, opp. leaders arrested

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Mahid Mohamed

The joint opposition protest held for the past week continued last night also near the MMA building. Large crowd joined the protest carrying placards and chanting anti government feelings including calls for the resignation of the President Nasheed, Home Minister Afeef and Police Chief Faseeh. Leaders of parties talked in the protest demanding the Government to return to the rule of law and release Chief Judge of the Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed.

Protesters have vowed they will continue the protest until the judge is released. Much earlier than other nights the crowd was dispersed after Police tear gassed the protest when protesters did not move behind as ordered by the Police. Protesters defied the order saying they have a right given by the Constitution for free assembly and protest. Council Member of Qawmy Party Sandhaanu Ahmed Didi read some articles of the Constitution top the Police and refused to follow their instructions. He was arrested and taken to Dhoonoidhoo detention centre. Ahmed Didi was arrested earlier following his verbal attacks on the Government which he accused is engaged in anti Islamic activities in the country.

Some other key persons of political parties  at the protest were also arrested.  PPM’s Siddigue, Mars Saleem and DRP Deputy Leader Ibrahim Shareef were among them.

Opposition leaders have strongly condemned the Government for refusing to obey the order of the Supreme Court to release the Judge. Opposition Leader Ahmed Thasmeen has said the Government’s unconstitutional actions speak for the lack of all means and capacity  of the Government.

Meanwhile Deputy President of ruling MDP Alhan Fahmy has filed a case in the Supreme Court yesterday challenging the Court which ordered the authorities not to arrest and release Judge Abdulla. Alhan has given a 48 hours time for the Supreme Court to make a verdict on his case.

MDP leaders have given a strict  warning that the Judge cannot return to the Court. President Nasheed has said he will do whatever necessary to reform the Judiciary. The Government has announced yesterday it has also requested UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to urgently dispatch a team of senior international jurists to the Maldives to help resolve the ongoing judicial crisis.

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