PPM receives approval to hold weekend demonstration

The opposition coalition, composed of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) has received approval from the police to hold a nation-wide peaceful demonstration to protest against the opposition leader, former Maldivian president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s imprisonment, according to PNC deputy leader Ibrahim Shujau.

Speaking to press after a meeting with the police on Thursday, Shujau, a Male’ City councilman, said the demonstration will be held in all residential islands.

He said the protestors will follow the routes agreed with the police.

“The police said it would be best if the demonstration sticks to the route they show. We agreed to this,” he said.

Shujau said the demonstration will be closely monitored by the police.

Shujau asked for Yameen’s supporters to gather outside the PPM headquarters in Male’ City at 03:45 pm Friday for the demonstration.

President Yameen will gather strength from the show of support, he said.

Shujau also expressed concern the police were using excessive use of force on protestors taking part in serial demonstrations which began Sunday, following Yameen’s conviction for money laundering and bribery in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development during his administration.

He alleged that some of the police officers had their bodycams off and some did not wear name tags.

Yameen has been sentenced to 11 years in prison and imposed a fine of USD 5 million.