One group calls for resignations; another shouts using offensive language

Last night’s protest began and ended with confrontations.

By the time opposition groups arrived at Artificial Beach, MDP had already started a demonstration in the area calling for the protection of journalists. Opposition groups were thus forced to move to PPM main hall area. They called for the release of Judge Abdulla and for the government to keep its actions within the limits of the law.

As opposition groups called for the resignation of President Nasheed, MDP members were heard to shout using offensive language. Even though they were holding sign boards calling for the protection of journalists, they expressed no sentiments in this regard.

Umar Naseer, Gasim Ibrahim and Imran Abdulla joined the protest after the first round of confrontations between MDP protesters and opposition groups. Bricks were thrown and two people were injured, and Riot Police moved protesters up to Chico Restaurant.

At this stage MDP members had calmed down, and the use of offensive language was heard less. Opposition groups were gathered on the pavement outside PPM main hall, and called to put President Nasheed to death by hanging. The groups were seen to thrown bottles at each other, and several people were injured. An MDP activist and a female opposition group protester took injuries to their heads. Police arrested four people following these confrontations.

Police used pepper spray and moved MDP activists away from the crowd. They warned people to remain on the pavements on the sides of the road.

When MDP activists were moved to Chico restaurant area, opposition groups ‘officially’ began their protest. As they walked up to Boduthakurufaanu magu, one individual was seen trying to obstruct them. They marched nonetheless on up to Fisherman’s Park, and ended the protest peacefully when Police intervened.

However, as opposition groups returned to PPM main hall, confrontations took place between them and about ten individuals who tried to obstruct them. Members of opposition groups were physically assaulted, pushed around and addressed with offensive language. People suspect this group to belong to gangs in Male’. They threatened reporters when they were photographed, by saying that the reporters’ cameras will be destroyed. They later moved to Jalapeno restaurant, where they were arrested by the Police about ten minutes later.