Parliament sitting obstructed by opposition

MPs of opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have obstructed the second sitting of the first session of the parliament, held this morning.

All members were quiet as Speaker of Parliament Abdulla Maseeh opened the meeting, but when he began announcing today’s agenda, MDP members began calling for the release of former President Mohamed Nasheed.

This includes Galolhu-North MP Eva Abdulla standing by the desk of the Parliament Secretary General and shouting for Nasheed’s release. She later moved to the desk of the Speaker.

This was followed by pro-government MPs calling for Nasheed’s arrest.

MPs of MDP and Jumhooree Party (JP) protested and called for Nasheed’s and former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim’s release also yesterday, while President Abdulla Yameen presented his annual speech at the inaugural sitting of the parliament. The President however completed his speech amid the noise and chaos, without any disruption.