Reports of Maldives violence in international media

Several international media have reported that the Maldives has been seized by violence due to protests.

New York Times reported on Friday that Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) began a protest as the US Ambassador to Maldives Patricia A. Butenis arrived in the country for US Independence Day Celebrations and that the protesters then headed for the Republican Square.

According to NYT, Butenis had invited former President Mohamed Nasheed and Hamid Abdul Gafoor to join the celebrations; however, they did not join indicating that they had been ‘thrown out of government illegally’.

Wall Street Journal reported that protesters have taken to the streets questioning the legitimacy of the current government of Maldives, and that this has led to several arrests and injuries.

WSJ also reported that 100 people have been arrested, including 45 on Thursday night alone; and that nine Police officers have been injured.