PPM condemns “desperate” tactics by opposition, calls for legal action

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has condemned the breach by opposition parliamentarians of the People’s Majlis premises on July 24, calling it “irrefutable evidence of the oppositions’ desperation”.

Opposition parliamentarians had held a protest on July 24, and broke through police barricades to enter People’s Majlis premises – which had been padlocked shut.

The parliamentarians had demanded that the Secretariat of People’s Majlis schedule a no-confidence vote on Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed, and were evicted from the premises by police and military officers.

Spokesperson for PPM, MP Ali Arif wrote in a press statement issued this Tuesday that in addition to confronting police officers, the opposition had attacked female journalists and circulated misinformation and diplomatic missions regarding the events of July 24.

“Such tactics prove that the opposition leaders themselves know and believe they cannot unseat incumbent President Yameen in a free and fair election next year. Instead of responsible politics and lawful and peaceful assembly, the MDP-led opposition has, yet again, chosen to incite violence and spread fear in the capital. Failure to rally public support for direct action, opposition lawmakers reverted to pantomime and fiction,” wrote Arif.

He noted in the statement that there was no session scheduled at Majlis for July 24, and that all parliamentarians had been informed the next session will be held on July 31.

PPM also expressed support for actions of the security forces.

“PPM welcomes the measured response and steadfast resolve of the security forces in thwarting yesterday’s attempts at storming Parliament and plunging the country into chaos,” read the statement.

The party called for speedy legal action against the perpetrators, adding “Members of Parliament are not above the law.”