Protesters accuse Children

A group of people have put padlocks on the gate of Children’s Park (Kudakudhinge Bageecha) in Male’, after accusing it of keeping dangerous animals.

This has been confirmed to Sun Online by Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

A small group has gathered to protest outside the park carrying boards which say that some animals kept by park are dangerous, and calling on authorities to stop killing animals.

Deputy Spokesperson of MNDF Captain Ali Ihsan said that the park is maintained by MNDF as a social service for children.

He said that animals brought into the country illegally must be handed over to Defence Ministry, following which the animals will be dealt with by the ministry in line with procedure.

Ihsan said that MNDF is responsible for the animals kept at Children’s Park.

Sun Online reporter near Children’s Park said that Police have removed the padlocks and opened the gate.

He said that police have now left the scene and the park has been closed by staff, but protesters remain at the entrance.

This protest follows reports earlier today, that non-native animals smuggled into the country - confiscated and impounded by the police following a special search operation on Saturday - had been executed by Defence Ministry.

Police on Saturday conducted a countrywide search operation for dangerous animals being held as household pets. During the search, police confiscated 11 iguanas, a snake, a sugar glider, an owl, a spider and 105 mice alien to the Maldives.