Last night

Police actions during last night’s protest were more stringent than usual. Crowds were dispersed as soon as they started forming, followed by the arrest of a large number of lead activists.

Police Media Official Sub-inspector of Police Hassan Haneef said that 38 people were arrested, none of whom have been released so far.

At the beginning of last night’s protest, Police arrested PPM Council member and lead activist Ahmed Siddeeg who was giving a speech at local market area. Protesters disregarded Police warnings and formed crowds in this area following instructions by Maaz Ahmed Saleem. However this crowd was also dispersed shortly after wards.

Unlike preceding nights, Riot Police were seen chasing protesters early last night. About 26 activists including five women were arrested. Police were seen to address some of these women in a strict manner just to pester them.

The crowd was moved from local market to MPL area. From there they headed to Boduthakurufaanu magu and into the newly built harbor. When the Security closed the doors, protesters forced them open and came out. Then they headed to Chaandhanee magu crossroad, led by Gemanafushi MP Ilham Ahmed.

Constant calls were made for the resignation of President Nasheed. About 12 protesters were arrested at this stage.

Several reporters of MNBC were present at last night’s protest without the media pass, and reporters of other media operators were heard complaining about this. One reporter said that Police provide protection to MNBC journalists even when they are without their media passes. About 12 journalists joined in raising this issue at last night’s protest, saying that Police use pepper spray on reporters of other stations even when they are wearing their media passes. The Police responded by saying that preference is not given to any reporters, and that pepper spray has not been used on anyone on purpose.

It was noted that more pepper spray than usual was used in last night’s protest. Reporters observed an Officer spraying into the eyes of a child who happened to be in the area. The child was later taken aside, and helped to wash his face.

Protesters claim that Police obstruct their freedom to hold demonstrations and that this is a result of President Nasheed’s orders to do so. They also said that these obstructions will not hold them back, and that they will continue with protests.