MDP discontinues protests in last 10 days of Ramadan

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has discontinued its ongoing series of protests ahead of the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Since the beginning of March, which coincided with the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan as well, the main opposition party has carried out a series of protests across Greater Male’ area.

Supporters of the party have continued to gather for demonstrations almost every evening since Ramadan began, while on some nights these demonstrations escalated into face-offs between local authorities resulting in injuries.

The opposition has been raising about the alleged political regression and the delays in awarding flats under the social housing Gedhoruveriya Scheme which was launched during the MDP-led government before the current administration.

The party have been actively calling out for the resignation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, citing the incumbent head of state has failed his duties.

While the party has discontinued its protests after the Elections Commission (EC) issued a warning for such, several of its key activists have been summoned to Maldives Police Service for questioning on various matters, they include:

• Ibrahim Abdulla
• Former Makunudhoo MP Mohamed Raaee
• Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem)
• Former RDC Managing Director, Moosa Ali Manik (Mookey)
• Mohamed Shamil
• Fathimath Shiuna
• Khadheeja Mohamed
• Aishath Najudha Ali
• Reesha Ahmed

Besides Maaz Saleem, a key activist of the party, Mariyam Zubair (Mandhee) was summoned to police with regards to her alleged remarks about the First Couple’s son. The activist had purported the vape ban by the government was pushed forward after the First Couple’s son was discovered to be a regular user of it.

Following her statements, the Maldives First Lady has sought a civil lawsuit against Mariyam Zubair citing the allegations posed dangers to the First Couple’s son.