MDP begins meeting near MMA

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has held a meeting near MMA building.

A large crowd first started the protest this evening at Usfasgandu. They went around on the main streets of Male’, calling to arrest President Gayoom and senior members of the government, and arrived at MMA around sunset.

By then riot Police had blocked the road, and prepared water cannons and other necessary equipment to break up the protest.

However MDP proceeded to commence a meeting near MMA.

Speeches were delivered by MDP Parliamentary Group Members and former cabinet members. Heavy criticism was aimed at Police and Military, and senior members of the government.

They criticised the Police, calling the incidents of 7 and 8 February ‘coups’.

MP Inthi said that MDP is trying to establish democracy in the Maldives, and that they will be faced with challenges. He said that the dictatorship and ‘coup’ government will end in bitterness. He also said that the Maldives cannot remain disconnected from the outside world.

The protest ended when the crowd began moving towards Dharubaaruge. No serious confrontation took place.