Rule of law, not

The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has said that the rule of law is the system applied in the Maldives, rather than a system that follows orders given by people carrying wooden sticks.

Speaking at a press conference held at Nasandhura Palace Hotel, vice presidential candidate of PPM Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed said that the people of Maldives want peace and order, and that the procedures to be followed during times of discord are clearly prescribed in the Constitution.

Dr Jameel’s remarks follow a violent protest by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) last night, during which protesters attacked security forces and caused damage to state property.

“We have courts that we can approach to solve our disputes. The law allows us to hold peaceful protests. We have to accept that the rule of law will apply in the Maldives. The rule of wooden sticks will not work. It will not be tolerated,” he said.

He said that the majority of Maldivian youth will not tolerate the violent activities carried out by a few young MDP supporters, who often turn out to be criminals.

Dr Jameel also called on media oversight bodies to take action against media groups that try to mislead the public.

“The claim by Raajje TV, that the group that carried out these activities at last night’s protest are affiliated with our presidential candidate honourable Yameen, I think, clearly portrays the MDP culture. ‘Breadfruit Jaa’ – is he linked to Yameen? Everyone knows who he is. He is Reeko Moosa Manik’s son-in-law. Even Humaam spoke about him in relation to Dr Afrasheem’s murder,” he said.

He said that if MDP wins the presidential election, the police and the military will no longer be respected in the country, and that this is evident from the party’s current activities.

“You saw how they acted last night. We all saw what happened. We saw them attacking the police with wooden sticks. We saw them causing damage to state property. We saw the violent attacks. Earlier, we saw Nasheed signalling a pick-up to drive and break through police lines at a protest. Then the question is, is it because Yameen asked him to, that Nasheed signalled the protesters?” he said.

Dr Jameel said that PPM will not sit back and watch while MDP carries out such atrocities, and that PPM will do everything possible within the limits of the law to put an end to such activities.