Live broadcast of parliament sitting suspended following opposition protest

The live broadcast of today’s sitting of the parliament has been suspended following protest by MPs of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

As soon as Speaker of Parliament Abdulla Maseeh opened the meeting at 9:00 a.m., it was obstructed by MPs who were shouting – including Medhu-Henveyru MP Ali Azim who was using a megaphone.

“We beg of you, Speaker, please follow the Standing Orders,” he said using the megaphone.

Also, whistles were used by Maafannu-Hulhangu MP Mohamed Falah and Mahchangolhi-Uthuru MP Mariya Ahmed Didi.

The MDP members were also calling for the release of former President Mohamed Nasheed.

The only item on the agenda of today’s sitting was submission of an amendment bill to the Prisons and Parole Act, proposed by Gemanafushi MP Jameel Usman on behalf of the government.

The bill has been presented by Jameel, and the sitting has not been disrupted despite the chaos.