Arrested opposition protestors released

Police have released everyone apprehended during the protests held last night in Male’ city.

The protestors gathered to the streets calling for the release of former President Abdulla Yameen who was sentenced by the Criminal Court to five years in jail for money laundering on Thursday. The release of the protestors was confirmed by PNC council member and spokesperson Heenaa Waleed to “Sun”. She stated that the five protesters arrested last night were released around midnight.

Those arrested included Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam who is also the deputy leader of PPM. Apart from him, former Hoarafushi MP Mohamed Ismail (Madhanee Abdulla), son of former MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla (Adhurey) and PNC leader Ibrahim Faisal, former President of Volleyball Association Mohamed Latheef (Latheebe) were also arrested.

Special Operations officers of Police broke up the protest that began in the Chaandhanee Magu-Majeedhee Magu junction and repelled the protesters to a location near M. Kunooz. The Parliament, controlled by PPM during the administration of President Yameen had amended the law so that protests in the capital could only be held after obtaining prior permission from the Police.

The trial of the former President was described as a sham and was labeled as politically motivated by the opposition parties who refused to accept the outcome of the trial. They also called on supporters to do everything possible to free President Yameen, including holding protests every night. Opposition leaders have also announced a nationwide protest being planned for next Wednesday.