18:11
The protest has come to an end. This was announced by MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed, who also said that they had made 13 demands from the government.
I am aware that many protesters want confrontation, but confrontation at a mass gathering such as this can lead to bloodshed. The purpose of this protest has been to show the government our size.
18:05
There has not been any announcement about ending the protest. JP said in a statement issued before the start of the protest, that it would be concluded at 6:00 p.m. The crowd, which began walking from Raalhugandu on Boduthakurufaanu Magu, went west on Majeedee Magu and is presently near Social Centre, at the intersection of Majeedee Magu and Boduthakurufaanu Magu.
The protesters’ demands include:
- Release Nasheed
- Release Nazim
- Release Azim
- Withdraw charges against politicians
17:39
The crowd has reached JP campaign station M. Kunooz. They have not announced where they would stop next.
17:13
Eva has called for Nasheed’s and Nazim’s release.
17:12
The crowd marching west along Majeedee Magu has reached Alikilegefaanu Magu, where President Abdulla Yameen’s residence is located. Police have barricaded the southern end of Alikilegefaanu Magu. Some protesters are seen shouting at the police officers in the area.
17:05
Mahchangolhi-North MP Abdulla Shahid is giving a speech. He said that Maldives has suffered “world class humiliation” and the government has failed.
We stir things up, and you will fall
16:53
Protesters are moving west on Majeedee Magu. They are calling for the release of Nasheed and Nazim.
16:47
Police have discovered more weapons, at the south-eastern corner of Dharubaaruge.
Three big knives and iron bars have been found in the trees on the south-eastern corner of Dharubaaruge.
16:42
Gasim also raised concern over the introduction of import duty on some products. He said that the government had not delivered on their promises made to players in the fisheries and agriculture sectors. He also called on the government to end its corrupt activities.
16:32
Gasim has said in his message that the purpose of the protest was not to change the government. He called on the government not to restrict the rights prescribed in the Constitution, and also said that anyone who engages in violence at the protest will be held responsible for his actions.
Gasim’s demands from the government:
- Annul the amendment made to the Auditor General Act
- Release former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim
- Retract the charges against former President Mohamed Nasheed
- Retract the charges against three former Defence Ministers.
No Maldivian should allow violence to take place. We will conclude the protest before the Maghrib prayer call, with our demands.
16:29
The crowd has stopped near Tuscaloosa. MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed is speaking, and presenting a message from JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim, who is presently in Sri Lanka.
16:26
Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN) has issued a statement urging all state authorities, political parties and individuals to act in accordance with the Constitution of the Maldives and best practices to ensure that all people in the Maldives are able to fully enjoy the right to peaceful assembly, at this delicate time in the political history of the country.
MDN also called upon political parties and individuals participating in the protests to carry out their activities within the boundaries of the laws, and to encourage and guide participants to exercise their inherent and lawful rights to assemble peacefully and express themselves.
“We have no doubt that the media will continue to share accurate and timely information in their observations of the situation, and appreciate their efforts which is critical to the work of organisations such as ours,” read the statement.
16:22
Protesters are marching along Boduthakurufaanu Magu, and are presently near Tuscaloosa. A pick-up truck in front is leading the way.
16:15
Usfasgandu is being searched by police. Crowds have gathered in the area to join the protest. So far peaceful, no confrontations.
16:05
Police have said that weapons have been found at Usfasgandu.
Iron bars, machetes, and swords have been found in this area.
LOCAL EDITION
