Nasheed incites violence; urges public to take to the streets to change govt

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that it had been confirmed that the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) will state in its report that the government was not changed through a coup, and urged the public to immediately take to the streets to change the government.

Speaking at Usfasgandu today, Nasheed said that he will lead the protest to change the government.

“There’s nothing more we can do. I will be there on the streets. I will confront any ‘traitor’ Police or MNDF Officer who wants to confront me. I want everyone else to do the same. I want you to confront them, and change the government tonight. I am requesting you, urging you, to change the government tonight. I am calling on our beloved patriotic Police and Military Officers, and the people of Maldives, to take to the streets to change the government,” Nasheed said.

Nasheed also said that he does not believe in changing the government from the streets; however, he had hoped for an early election following a proper investigation of the change of government.

“I saw it with my own eyes, experienced these things first hand – I can’t tell myself these things didn’t happen. The incidents were witnessed by thousands of Maldivians. We were hoping that the report would clarify everything. We knew from the beginning, justice will not be served. Nothing about those activities will be included in the report of the CNI tomorrow. We should go for direct action. It is our responsibility to restore a just government in this country,” Nasheed said.

Government Spokesperson Abbas Adil Riza said that Nasheed’s actions are in violation of the agreement made by the government and Nasheed with the Commonwealth, which states that regardless of CNI’s findings, the results must be accepted and no violence should be created.

Abbas advised against responding to Nasheed’s calls to create violence.

“Nasheed has violated the agreement made with Commonwealth. This will show Maldivian people how much Nasheed can be trusted, and how well he honors prior agreements,” Abbas said.

Nasheed had earlier said that he has confidence in the CNI, and that he would accept its findings.