Man arrested after attack on Sheikh Imran at Maamendhoo

The police have arrested a man in G.A. Maamendhoo, after an attack on Sheikh Imran Abdullah, President of Adhaalath Party in the island.

Sheikh Imran is in Maamendhoo with some of his party leaders, in a visit to G.A. Atoll and G.Dh. Atoll. He was attacked during the protests staged by supporters of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in Maamendhoo, and the attacker was reportedly a die-hard supporter of MDP.

Sub-Inspector Ahmed Shiyam, Police Media Official, said today that a person was arrested in Maamendhoo for assaulting Sheikh Imran, and that the police were looking into the matter.

Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Spokesperson of Adhaalath and the Minister of Islamic Affairs said today that in his native island of Maamendhoo, a small number of MDP supporters gathered in the beach area to protest the visit of Adhaalath Party team there. He also said that while MDP supporters shouted warnings against Imran not to set foot in the island via a megaphone, a large number of people were gathered at the same area to welcome AP team.

Shaheem also said that MDP supporters threw large pieces of stone on the speedboat which carried them to the island, and that they had to get off from the boat to the jetty under the protection of some people. Shaheem said that someone jumped at Imran at that moment, and hit him, as told by a witness, though Shaheem did not see Imran being hit.

“We would like to note that the Atoll Council, the Island Council of Maamendhoo, and DRP and PPM members were very helpful and brotherly to us”, said Shaheem, expressing his gratitude for the help against MDP attacks.

Shaheem confirmed that Imran did not sustain any injuries from the attack.

Adhaalath Party has, in the ongoing program, visited G.A. Vilingili, G.A. Dhaandhoo, and met with the people of those islands. A huge gathering of the party was conducted at Dhaandhoo.

Presently, AP team is in G.A. Gemanafushi, and the next destination would be G.A. Kanduhulhudhoo.

“MDP leaders are lying, at the Lonuziyaaraikkolhu Area, saying that we were unable to conduct a meeting here. In every island, we have been welcomed warmly, and we are meeting with the people in each of them”, said Shaheem.