Nasheed cannot be taken to Police office: MDP National Steering Committee

It has been passed by Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) National Steering Committee that former President Mohamed Nasheed cannot be taken to the Police, despite him being summoned to the Police office recently.

According to MDP’s National Steering Committee, the current government is concerned that Nasheed will win the presidential elections; they are hence trying to convict him of a crime to ensure that he does not contest at the next election.

The Committee’s decision details that the Police used excessive force on Nasheed on 8 February. Since then, they have also pepper-sprayed him in the eyes; and they are now trying to produce him at the Police office to jeopardise his life.

Police Sub-Inspector Hassan Haneef has informed that Nasheed had been summoned to Police at 10:00 on Thursday for questioning regarding his phone call in which he is heard inciting violence against the Police.

Police exposed a phone call last Tuesday, between Nasheed and MDP National Majlis member and Mahchangolhi MP Mariya Ahmed Didi.

Mariya rings Nasheed and says, “You know, the protesters are being pushed back using pepper spray and things. That’s why we haven’t been able to hold the National Council meeting. Also we have received another letter at the office, saying that it should be vacated by 10pm tonight. There’s nothing more that can be done, whether to appeal in Court or whatever. Quorum requirement is not met, Shihab is here, but they are using pepper spray and pushing the crowd back. We can’t empty the space if we can’t enter it. This is very strange, what they are doing. What should I do?”

Nasheed replies, “There’s nothing much to do. I don’t really know. What can we possibly do?”

Mariya says, “I just thought I’d inform you. We’ve received the letter at the Party office, asking us to empty the space by ten.”

Nasheed says, “I think we should get a group to fight with them. If we can get together a fighting gang, we should get them to go out and fight.”

Mariya asks, “The two groups?”

Nasheed says, “I really think we should fight. If we can get a group, they should be sent out to fight. Find a fighters gang in Male’ and get them to fight with the Police. [Mariya laughs] That’s what I think. I don’t know if we can find such a group. But I want them attacked tonight.”

Mariya says, “It’s really strange! Anyway I am at the area, reporting from the area. So I’m just informing you the current situation, and sharing with you the information I have. You asked earlier, ‘what did Saal say?’.”

Nasheed says, “Yeah...haha.”

Mariya says, “Saal had written, ‘so funny’. I don’t know!”

Nasheed says, “Haha. Ok. Keep texting me updates on the situation.”

Mariya says, “I will, as much as I know.”

Nasheed says, “Dhishana is calling me now.”

Mariya says, “Ok, bye.”