MDP calls for Mahloof’s immediate release

Opposition party – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called for immediate release of MP Ahmed Mahloof, saying that he was arrested while at Jalaluddin Mosque in such a manner that it tarnished the respect due to the mosque.

MDP released a statement on Saturday calling out for Mahloof’s immediate release and accusing police officers of aiming teargas directly into the eyes of protesters to disperse the crowd during Friday’s protest.

“RajjeTV reporter Mohamed Visam who was covering the protest, and others had to be treated at hospital after large amount of teargas was sprayed at their eyes,” read the statement.

MDP also said that police had entered a house located near where the protest was planned to be held and confiscated a sound system and speakers before the protest started.

The party said that Criminal Court granting permission for police to confiscate the items was proof of how low the country’s criminal justice system had sunk.

MDP also said in their statement that police officers had police had stopped protesters and violated the right to walk on the streets, when protestors attempted to return home after the protest.

MDP has accused police officers of entering Jalaluddin Mosque wearing shoes – which is considered offensive – when they went to arrest Mahloof, something which the police have denied.

Police have invited the media to investigate the truth of the matter.

Police said they went into the mosque to arrest Mahloof after he went in there to hide after attacking a police officer during the scuffle which ensued after Friday’s protest.