People protest as Nasheed arrives in Gemanafushi

A group of people in Ga. Gemanafushi have obstructed former President Mohamed Nasheed and his team as they arrived in the island this morning, as part of Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) current campaign trip ‘Journey of Pledges’ to the southern atolls of Maldives.

Gemanafushi Island Council President Asim Mohamed said that people of the island blocked the entrance channel to the island, making it impossible for Nasheed’s boat to enter the harbour.

“The people protested against Nasheed about three issues. One is that he has ignored the fact that the nation is mourning and is continuing with his tour, the second issue is that he disobeyed Court Orders, and the third is the unrest created in the island during his previous visits,” he said.

Police are trying to control the unrest in Gemanafushi.

Sun Online understands that the protesters belong to Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

In spite of the protest, Nasheed and his team arrived on this island at around 11:00, and their departure is planned for after Friday prayers.

Asim said that people are still protesting against him in the island.

“There is no assault or anything like that, they are just protesting,” he said.

It has not been possible to contact MDP on this matter as there is no answer on Spokesperson Imthiyaz Fahmy’s phone.

Nasheed’s aide and participant of this campaign trip, Hamid Abdul Gafoor, said on Twitter that with the assistance of MDP activists, the MDP team has arrived in Gemanafushi ‘to a frenzy of supporters’.

MDP is planned to visit Ga., Gdh., Gn., and S. Atolls as part of Journey of Pledges.