Protest on 23 December was the largest in the Maldives, says former President

Former President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom has said that the Mass Protest conducted in defence of Islam from the continued mockery of and attacks on Islam by the Maldivian Government was the largest demonstrations that the country has ever seen.

Maumoon told Sun tonight, at the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, that he wanted to congratulate all the organizers of the Protest, among whom were some of the leaders of his party, the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) too.

Former President Maumoon came back to Malé today after two months abroad.

“The first thing I want to say is that the Mass Protest on 23rd December was the largest that we have seen here in the Maldives. PPM also participated in organizing the Protest. I congratulate the efforts taken by the Union of Civil NGOs in leading the organization of the Protest.

Maumoon said that the Maldivian people had, during the Protest held in the Victory Square, made it very clear that they want Islam to be their religion.

Maumoon expressed his concern over the steps taken by the Government against Qaasim Ibrahim, the biggest business tycoon in the country, for participating in the Mass Protest. He said that “they are measures personally taken against him, and it is very sad to see such things”.

“The Government should do anything in accordance with a pre-determined principle. They should not take measures against anyone or any legal entities in contravention to the laws and regulations of the country”, said Maumoon.