Protest broken up amid serious confrontations

MDP has commenced its 'direct action' protests on the streets of Malé tonight as well.

Meanwhile, demonstrations are also underway in Hulhumalé.

The protest in Hulhumalé was sparked by President Dr Mohamed Waheed's visit to open a Dialysis Centre at the Hulhumalé Hospital.

Protesters in Hulhumalé are gathered near the hospital, while the protest in Malé is centered at the junction of Chaandhanee magu and Fareedhee magu.

21:01 - MDP protesters are gathered at the junction of Chaandhanee magu and Fareedhee magu. The crowd is small and there is no unrest.

Today is the fifth consecutive day of MDP's 'direct action' protest.

21:33 - More people are gathering. More Police officers have also joined the squad.

21:55 - Police take down the barricades on Chaandhanee magu and move forward

22:00 - Protesters have hidden several roadblocks which were put at the junction of Chaandhanee magu and Fareedhee magu.

A large crowd of protesters has gathered now.

22:04 - Protesters are breaking the barricade line and moving forward.

22:14 - Former President Nasheed has joined the protest. He is talking to the protesters in the front of the crowd.

22:16 - Protesters have passed the barricades and reached Reefside shop on Chaandhanee magu, while Police try to push them back.

Objects such as water bottles are being thrown at the Police.

22:21 - An elderly man has been arrested.

The crowd has been pushed back to where they were before.

22:57 - Police have arrested another protester.

It seems like the protester is injured to some extent.

23.19 - Protesters are moving towards Republic Square on Chaandhanee magu. They are throwing stones at the Police. Police have so far not tried to break up the protest, but are on alert.

23.29 - Police are pushing the crowd back. Two people have been arrested.

23.30 - Confrontations between the Police and protesters have led to six arrests.

Members of Parliament of MDP are participating in the protest.

23:31 - The Police may have used pepper spray to control the protest.

The crowd has been pushed up to the traffic light.

00:06 - Window of Fresh Air shop on Chaandhanee magu has been broken.

00:33 - Four Police officers are being treated for getting pepper in their eyes.

00:40 - Two more Police officers, including a femals officer, catch pepper water in their eyes.

Several water bottles and stones are being hurled at the Police.

Police are holding shields and are on alert.

00:42 - Police have given warning and started breaking up the protest.

00:43 - The crowd has been dispersed.

People who refuse to obey Police orders are being arrested, including a woman.

00:46 - Police have chased the protesters near Aminiya School. This area has been blocked.

00:55 - Protesters have been pushed up to Majeedee magu.

Stones are still being thrown at the Police on some roads in this area.

Police are chasing the protesters.

01:07 - A group of protesters have assaulted an elderly man near Local Market and pushed him into the sea.

An eyewitness told Sun Online that the man was attacked when he said something against the protest.

Police have saved him and taken him to the hospital.

01.32 - Protesters are again gathering at the junction of Chaandhanee magu and Majeedee magu.