Government vehicle and a Police Station set on fire

Police have said that a newly-constructed Police Station in N. Holhudhoo, and a government vehicle near Usfasgandu area have been set on fire.

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has held its ‘urgent direct protest’, which commenced with the arrival of the US Ambassador in Maldives, for four consecutive nights. In addition to Male’, the protests was held last night in some islands as well.

Last night’s protest turned violent when protesters began throwing stones at the Police. The individuals who threw stones had their faces covered.

Media officials could not enter the protest area on Chaandhanee magu at around 1:00 due to the intense situation. Stones were being hurled at the Police everywhere, and windows of about three shops were broken.

Two barricades were set on fire at around 2:30. The fires were soon controlled.

The Police pushed the protesters back to Lily magu in their efforts to break up the protest. Chaandhanee magu was soon cleared and no pepper spray was used.

During last night’s protest, a journalist of Raajje TV was injured. According to eye witnesses, he was injured by the Police in their efforts to chase the crowds.

A Police Media Official said that the Police will protect media officials during protests, and that the media will have the freedom to cover the protests. Police stressed that they will not intentionally target any attack on media officials.

Several Police officers were also injured in the protest.

----

‘Direct action’ series of protests by MDP have taken place for four nights in a row near Republic Square.

Protesters call for the resignation of the senior officials of the government, and an early election. Former President Mohamed Nasheed often participates in the protests.

MDP Spokesperson Imthiyaz Fahmy said on the first night of protests that ‘direct action’ will continue until the government is overthrown.

On the second night, confrontations took place between the public and the Police. Members of both groups were injured, and the media was somewhat obstructed by the Police.

On the third night, the protest continued until dawn but the Police did not make any attempt to disperse the crowd. The Police however advised against using loudspeakers after midnight, in instruction which was protesters failed to follow.

Last night’s protest was centered in front of Reef Side. Sun Online journalist Murshid Abdul Hakeem was hurt by a battery hurled by a protester. Also hurt was a Police cameraman.

A policeman hurt during the protest was sent abroad for treatment.

Several Members of Parliament and National Council Members of MDP had been arrested during ‘direct action’. However no MP is currently under Police custody. Total arrested amounts to 19.

The demands made by ‘direct action’ protesters are so far unclear.

The MDP government was overthrown by 23 consecutive days of protests by the opposition.