The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) office for the Hithadhoo South constituency in Addu City was torched last night (October 10) after masked men attacked a rally in Feydhoo earlier in the evening.
A group of masked men wielding wooden planks and rocks reportedly attacked participants of the rally held at the harbour area of the Feydhoo ward.
Of 16 suspects arrested from the scene, police said seven remain remain in custody while nine have been released.
A number of police officers active in the area sustained varying degrees of injury while attempting to control the disturbance, police said in a statement last night.
Members of the public were also injured in the clashes, police added. While some supporters attending the rally were assaulted, rocks were reportedly thrown at others and one person sustained head injuries.
Opposition-aligned private broadcaster Raajje TV’s equipment was also damaged.
Chief Inspector of Police Ahmed Shifan, commander of the south division, told local media that the incident would be investigated as “a serious matter” but claimed there was no evidence to suggest the attack was politically motivated.
The MDP office in Hithadhoo was meanwhile set on fire around 11:30pm, shortly after the rally ended.
MDP MP for Hithadhoo South, Ali Nizar, told local media that the arson attack caused more than MVR1 million worth of damages to electronic equipment and property at the office.
The office was almost completely destroyed in the fire, which also spread to a shop next door and caused damages to goods.
Nizar alleged that the office was set on fire by a group of youth involved in disrupting the rally, who left for Hithadhoo on a taxi.
The fire was extinguished by the Maldives National Defence Force’s fire and rescue service.
Police said a search was underway for suspects but no arrests have yet been made.
Last month, the MDP main office in the capital Malé was also set on fire following vandalism of the party’s office for two consecutive nights and numerous death threats sent from unlisted numbers to MDP MPs, the party’s senior members and dozens of journalists.
While the door of former MDP MP Hamid Abdul Ghafoor’s home was torched, crude oil was thrown on former President Mohamed Nasheed’s residence and the windshield of Chairperson Ali Waheed’s car was smashed.
Speaking at last night’s rally, Nasheed accused President Abdulla Yameen of employing “wayward youth” to carry out attacks against the opposition.
MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed said the party would seek information about the culprits and make sure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) meanwhile put out a press release today condemning the arson attack “in the harshest terms”.
“This party will not support such acts regardless who commits them. This party is concerned about such acts that harm political parties, public property, and lives,” the statement read, appealing for cooperation with the government’s efforts to ensure security and stability in the nation.
The ruling party called on the authorities to investigate the arson attack and take prompt action.
“All parties should have the opportunity to carry out political activities peacefully,” the press release stated.
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom also condemned the arson attack on social media today.
“We must never allow such violence in this country,” the PPM leader tweeted.
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