Mass Protests in defence of Islam across the Maldives

In Malé the Capital and the other islands throughout the length and breadth of the Maldives, the faithful have gathered in peaceful protests “to communicate to the Maldivian government and the outside world that the Maldivian people are convinced about the truth of Islam, that they do not wish to replace Islam with any other ways of life, and that they do not welcome the Maldivian government’s continuous attempts with the active help and support of foreign Islam-hater groups and individuals to challenge Islam and to wipe out Islam from the Maldivian life”.

After evening prayers today, around 4 pm, thousands of people gathered in the Tsunami Building area at the East End of Malé. In addition to thousands of men and women sporting slogans and sentiments of love and support for Islam on placards, headscarves, and stickers, leaders of major opposition political parties have also gathered.

Political leaders present include the leaders of Adaalath Party, Ahmed Tasmin Ali, the leader of major opposition Divehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Qaasim Ibrahim the leader of Jumhoory Party, Abdullah Yamin, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM).

The protests were organized by the Union of Civil NGOs and opposition parties of the Maldives, and were launched officially by Abdullah Muhammad, the Vice President of the Union of Civil NGOs.

DEATH THREATS

Abdullah Muhammad, the Vice President of the Union of Civil NGOs said in his opening address that those who are against the protests have continuously sent death threats to the organizers of the protests via SMS and phone calls.

“It is strange that they continue issuing warnings of death against us. We believe in the Lord of mankind who says in the Noble Qur’an that every man shall die, and that no living thing shall live eternally. We do not think that we have a license to live forever on this earth, and we are humble. What more are they trying to tell us about the coming of death by issuing these warnings”, said Abdullah.

VICTORY SQUARE

Sheikh Imran Abdullah, President of Adaalath Party, described the Tsunami Building area where the protests are being held as the “Victory Square” that will symbolize the Maldivians’ love for Islam and their resolve to live it and to protect it.

Sheikh Imran said in his speech that the Maldivian Muslims wish to live with the world in peace and harmony. “We shall be friends with India, with America, and with all the other nations of the world. We wish to live in peace with everybody. We do not support violence. However, we shall do it while still holding to our convictions, our beliefs, and our religion. We shall not compromise our religion in order to get money from anybody to build bridges, harbors and flats. We shall build them with the Grace of God, with the Providence that He provides us with, and all we want is for the other nations of the world to respect our decision”, said Imran.

MDP’S COUNTER-PROTESTS

The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have also gathered a few hundred yards from the Victory Square, at the Artificial Beach, to oppose the protests in defence of Islam, claiming to be “upholders of moderate values”.

President Mohamed Nasheed joined MDP demonstration at 4:30 pm. There were a few hundred people in the demonstrations, including Ministers of the Government and MPs from the party.

Addressing the MDP gathering, President Nasheed said that the Maldives has achieved economic development and self-sufficiency and that these achievements could not be possible if the country “goes back to the age of ignorance”.

POLICE AND MNDF AT ALERT

The Maldives Police Services and the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) have controlled access to the protest areas, are ready at riot gear to confront any chaos resulting from the protests.

The Police had previously given guarantee that they would not oppose the protesters as long as it continues peacefully. However, they had also told the National Security Committee at the Parliament that they would use force in case any need to control the demonstrations arises.

CONFRONTATIONS

At 17:24 reports from Vaikaradhoo, an island in the northernmost atoll of the country, claimed that there were some confrontations between the protesters, and pro-government groups that came out to attack and disband the protests. According to the reports, 9 people were injured and admitted at Vaikaradhoo Health Centre.

About 20 minutes later, Abdullah Shareef, In-Charge at the Vaikaradhoo Health Centre confirmed that some had been injured in the confrontations and were under treatment at the Health Centre.

A 100,000 PEOPLE

At 17:43, Abdullah Muhammad, Deputy President of the Union of Civil NGOs announced from the podium at the Victory Square that a 100,000 people all over the country took to the roads and square to express their love of Islam and their commitment to live according to their religion.

PRAYER AT VICTORY SQUARE

The protesters prayed their sunset prayers on the Victory Square at 18:14. The prayer was led by Sheikh Ilyas. The protesters did their ablution with seawater and packed drinking water.

A religious sermon was given by Sheikh Ilyas immediately after the prayer.

- updates coming -