Day: July 16, 2010

Police-MNDF special operation underway in Male’

Five people have been taken into custody by the Maldives Police Service and Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) under a joint special operation launched last night to quell violence and unrest in the capital.

A police media official confirmed that five people were arrested in separate incidents in Male’.

Shortly before midnight, police dispersed a crowd of ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) supporters demanding the arrest of Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim outside his residence, Galolhu Aabin.

Balcony windows of the People’s Alliance MP’s first floor apartment were smashed before riot police moved in.

The MP for Dhiggaru is currently under house arrest accused of bribery and attempting to influence independent institutions as well as cause physical harm to political opponents.

Announcing the joint special operation at a press conference last night, Major Abdul Raheem said MNDF assistance was requested by the Home Minister and appealed for cooperation from the public.

Denying any connection to the ongoing corruption investigation involving opposition MPs, Chief Inspector Hamdhoon Rasheed stressed that the measures were in response to growing public disorder triggered by political unrest and a resurgence of gang violence after the end of the World Cup.

“[…] We began [the operation] because some political parties are trying to create further chaos in the island using these roving gangs,” he said. “What we want is to ensure that this is a safe environment for those who don’t want any involvement in this or just wants to live peacefully.”

He added that gang attacks on rival camps set up to screen World Cup matches had taken place sporadically and was currently on the rise.

Opposition parties have blamed the unrest on angry mobs of MDP supporters gathering outside opposition MPs’ and judges’ residences.

While 18 people were taken into custody on Wednesday night following the disturbance at the MDP rally, Hamdhoon said all have since been released.

Asked whether police had arrested masked assailants that allegedly tried to attack President Mohamed Nasheed, the Chief Inspector answered no.

Hamdhoon further defended police handling of violent clashes outside opposition MP Abdulla Yameen’s residence after police reportedly took 40 minutes to intervene with tear gas.

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Government to Continue Fight against Corruption: President Nasheed

“Many people were ready for direct action to show the level of their disapproval of corruption,” said President Nasheed today in his weekly radio address. “Government, therefore, is forced to take swift measures, and do whatever possible to find a solution for corruption.”

The President was commenting on the recent political turmoil in Male where senior opposition figures in the Majlis were charged with bribery and treason, and then released by Supreme Court judges. A Criminal Court judge suspended the police prosecutors.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Maldivian Democratic Party, of which Presdient Nasheed is a leading member, staged demonstrations in the capital calling for an end to corruption, and condemning the decisions of the judges.

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Government behind turmoil in Male’, says DQP

The government is behind the unrest in the capital Male’, claims the Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP), accusing the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of openly attacking and damaging the property of political opponents.

Following the launch of MDP’s nationwide protests against corruption on Wednesday, crowds of people gathered outside opposition MPs residences as well as the homes of some judges over the past two nights, leading to violent clashes, injuries to civilians and police officers as well as damage to property.

A press release by DQP claims that the MDP serial protest has been “a disaster” for businesses and has made movement in the capital “a burden”.

“While MDP’s leaders happen to be leaders of the Maldivian government as well, the best venue for putting forward MDP’s proposals is not the streets of Male’,” it reads.

The party calls on MDP to immediately cease its activities in Male’, which are intended to “protect the interests of certain people” by fueling political tensions and creating unrest in the capital.

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HRCM condemns political unrest

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) expressed concern with the recent political unrest and turmoil in the capital, condemning the damage to private property and physical harm caused to police officers and civilians during clashes that took place on the night of July 14.

A press statement issued by the commission yesterday notes “regrettably” that irresponsible rhetoric that creates hostility and strife among the public was undermining the rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution as well as threatening social stability and public safety.

“And since such actions on the part of either political parties or responsible persons that encourage unrest and inhumane acts hamper the rights of citizens under a democratic system of governance, the commission calls on all parties to restrain from such acts and conduct political activities responsibly,” it reads.

The HRCM further calls upon the government to strengthen its efforts to protect an individual’s right to life, liberty and security of person as well as the right to privacy and the right to protect one’s reputation and good name.

The commission urged the government not to make arrests outside the bounds of the law.

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Expatriate found dead in Male’

An expatriate was found dead yesterday in a lane in Male’ near the Justice building, according to police.

The man was found unconscious on the road at 3.50pm and was taken to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), where doctors who examined the body revealed that he was dead upon arrival.

Preliminary examinations reveal no bruises or external injuries, say police, and the case is currently under investigation.

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