Welcome to Vnews coverage on the May Day protest.
The protest is almost over. However, organizers have not revealed that the protest is over.
Police Navaz: We will forward the case to PG. Four Police Officers, who got injured when the pickup rammed into them, are being treated as well. We will share the details of their injuries later.
We cannot allow such protests to proceed ahead, under the guise of peaceful protests. If the public wished to hold protests, they have to abide by the set rules. We had used less lethal weapons in the protest. At the moment revealing the exact nature of weapons is difficult. We employ weapons only when necessary, after observing the situation.
Police Navaz: Along with Sheikh Imran, 193 had been arrested. Two injured Police Officers have been sent to Lanka. We have started the search for those who attacked the Officers. The roads are calm now, Police are patrolling the streets. The scenes of the protests were not something any citizen would wish to see. Most of the arrested were those who came from the islands.
Imran was arrested as he had claimed leadership of the protest. Additional details will be revealed later. Those who will be brought in for investigations regarding this case will be revealed later. I appeal all citizens to give precedence to peace and stability.
The extent of the injuries to the Police Officers are not known at the moment.
Protests are still on going in different areas of Male'. However, the numbers have dwindled a bit.
Police have requested the public to identify those protesters who had attacked the Police officers.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb's interview to SunTV: Today's protest was a cleverly orchestrated protest, it was violent. The Government will act on those who had instigated the protests.
Police have reported that Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed is presently meeting Police officers.
MDP has stated that as of now 176 has been arrested.
Protesters have gathered near Dhiraagu, at Chaandhanee Magu corner.
Protesters are presently gathered at the Chaandhanee Magu- Majeedhee Magu junction.
Police have begun to dispel protesters on Majeedhee Magu.
RaajjeTV has stated that Police had not been able to clarify what were the defamatory stories spread by RaajjeTV, as claimed by the Police Media Official.
Elections Commission: Do not believe that protests led by AP, MDP are peaceful.
Former President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom has praised Police actions in controlling tonight's protests.
Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed has stated that he had taken an active role in the May Day operation Police conducted.
MDP reports that a pregnant woman was arrested in the protests.
Police: The two Officers injured in tonight's protesters are to be sent to Sri Lanka, at 04:00 hours.
Vnews journalists at the scene reports that Police have begun to chase protesters.
There are rumors that MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed has been arrested. However, neither the Government nor MDP has confirmed this.
Police have not revealed the full number of the people who have been arrested in tonight's protest.
Many protesters are still gathered in Chaandhanee Magu, calling for the resignation of President Yameen. MP Mahloof addressing the participants now.
President's Office Spokesperson Ibrahim Muaz Ali has stated that the neither the Government nor the President would engage in negotiations with Sheikh Imran.
MDP states that over 100 protesters have been arrested so far.
Police has once again charged into the protest and have started to arrest some of the protesters.
Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Parliamentary Group Leader Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik has called to all those who had traveled from the islands to leave Male' within the hour. His tweet stated the Government should suspend their licenses if they had failed to do so.
He was in opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Ali Waheed's residence, when Special Operations (SO) Officers entered the residence and arrested him.
AP has confirmed his arrest.
AP President Sheikh Imran was arrested under a court order, while he was in MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed's residence. He was arrested by a group of Police officers.
Adhaalath Party Leader Sheikh Imran Abdullah has been arrested.
Police: Officer in the protest was severely injured.
Mahloof: We have to work until we get results. About a 100 protesters have been arrested and many have been sent to the hospital with various injuries. Keep your spirits up. Police are not the enemy, see them as part of public and work that way.
Dr. Ibrahim Didi: Sentiments of Home Minister Umar Naseer has no weight.
Police have seized the sound system being used by protesters.
Police: Report any damages caused to assets, residences by the protesters to 9888999.
RaajjeTV journalists have been removed from the protest areas. Police report that RaajjeTV was removed for spreading falsified reports that disrupt peace and create chaos.
Former MP's Ahmed Easa and Ibrahim Rasheed have been arrested.
Police have seized the sound system used by the protesters.
Police Integrity Commission (PIC) has issued a press release stating that today's protests are not peaceful. The press release noted that there have been attacks against Police officers. In the protest, Police and protesters were injured. Police had acted patiently, within their legal mandate. They have not used unnecessary force.
Police have refuted the rumors that a Police Officer has been detained by the protesters.
Police: We are working to remove the loudspeakers across Majeedhee Magu, which are broadcasting RaajjeTV feed.
Police: Protesters are attacking Police and Media personnel in the area. A Police Officer had been seriously injured when a protester attacked him.
Police have entered Lecute shop at the Majeedhee Magu-Chaandhanee Magu junction and begun to remove people inside the shop.
Dr. Ibrahim Didi: We came on to the streets as our last option, we had no other choice. Any damages sustained by the public, President Yameen has to be responsible for it. That's why we're calling for negotiations.
When we came on the streets, we still see the Government's arrogance, we see that they have brought out Police and Army on the streets against the public.
RaajjeTV Cameraman Saajid has been injured in the coverage.
A police officer had been attacked by protesters.
Police: Protesters near Chaandhanee Magu, Wataniya shop have attempted to cross the barricade and enter police ranks.
Some protesters, who had confronted the Police near Lily Magu, have been sprayed with pepper spray. Some have been arrested. A journalist has also been pepper sprayed.
MP Mahloof: The night Dr. Afraasheem was murdered, Adeeb had called his brother and informed of his murder. That's why I suspect him. I will remain steadfast in the work to end tyranny.
Residents of Chaandhanee Magu are complaining of tear gas fumes.
MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, JP Deputy Leader Ameen Ibrahim are in Chaandhanee Magu.
Ameen: We will stop this when President listens to our voices. We will know when President listens to us.
Protesters at Chaandhanee Magu have been pushed towards Sonee Sports.Some residents of Chaandhanee Magu are cheering on the protesters. Protesters have lobbed glass bottles towards the protesters.
MP Imthiyaz Fahmy: Police actions tonight, such as forced infiltration into the protest and some guidelines they had issued, have astounded not only the citizens but the international world. Government has to listen to our protest, which will not end.
Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohamed Sadiq, Deputy Commissioner of Police Hassan Habeeb and senior officials of MNDF are active near Shaheed Adam Building.
Protesters in Chaandhanee Magu are calling for Yameen's resignation. Police are attempting to push them back. MDP and MP Mahloof had appealed all to assemble near Aminiya School.
Around 10 have been arrested so far. Elderly and women are among those arrested.
Police: Have seized some wooden sticks some protesters used.
Police are arresting many protesters.
Some have been arrested from Chaandhanee Magu junction. Details of those arrested are not clear at the moment.
Superintendent of Police Navaaz: We are investigating the cases of those leading the protests. We will arrest anyone who have to be arrested.
Some protesters are entering Government offices and we have removed such persons from Customs, a few minutes ago. We will not allow such acts. We appeal all to behave peacefully.
We do not believe that today's protests are peaceful. Therefore, we will enact any measure to control the crowd. The Police operation will carry out until the situation calms down. We have received intelligence that arson attacks are being planned in Male' tonight. We appeal all not to carry that out. We appeal all to extend full support to the Police and work towards making Male' a peaceful place.
Many protesters have moved from Majeedhee Magu-Chaandhanee Magu junction towards Maafannu Gadi Buru.
Many protesters are sitting on the street on the Chaandhanee Magu- Majeedhee Magu junction. Galolhu South MP Ahmed Mahloof and Galolhu North MP Eva Abdullah are sitting with the protesters.
MP Mahloof: Have not stopped the protest. The citizens are not ready to go home. We will not go home without ending the tyranny. We are telling President Yameen that he has no choice but to negotiate with us. We call on Police and Army and President Yameen to come to negotiations prior to violence and bloodshed.
Organizers have stated that they would remain steadfast and will not cease the protest.
Police: A press conference will be held at 19:50 near Shaheed Hussain Adam Building.
Police have pushed back protesters near Seagull. Some have been arrested.
Protesters have begun to gather near Social Center. Many roads have been closed.
Police had used thunder flash near MMA.
Police: A pickup used by the protesters had entered Police ranks at high speed. One officer was injured in this incident. Another officer was hurt near Salsa Royal when a protester hurled a rock.
One female protester was taken to hospital, after her condition deteriorated.
Police: We will not be responsible for any damage caused by our less-lethal weapons.
Many Army officers have begun to work in Local Market area.
Minister Adeeb: 1515 has failed, Imran has fled.
Police: Galolhu South MP Ahmed Mahloof has been calling on protesters not to throw things on Police. The Fish Market area is still in chaos.
Home Minister Umar Naseer: This Government will not release Mohamed Nasheed even if the demand is made. We will not come to the discussion based on threats issued by the opposition. We are ready to discuss on national issues.
The Government had authorized use of force, which will be used when scuffles occur.
Police and Army will act against those showing aggression. Protesters can protest until 11 pm. After that they have to halt it. No reports of any persons injured. In some areas, attempts were made to breach Police ranks. Many have left for home. Those remaining are violent. This is not a peaceful protest. At the start it was, but not now. The Government will not stop the protests. But will not allow confrontation.
Special Operations (SO) Police Officers have entered Bandaara Mosque, arrested some protesters inside the mosque
Police: Protests in Male' are not peaceful. We are working with MNDF to disband the protest.
Police seen to be using less-lethal weapon.
Many protesters have been arrested from Fish Market area and Republic Square. Pepper spray has been deployed in the area. A pickup used in the protest has been seized by the Police.
Police issues warning that they will use arms against the protesters if they do not vacate the local market area. They add that this is a technical weapon.
Protesters have lobbed bottles and rocks against the Police, while protesters are directly facing Police near MMA.
Police: Last warning has been given for those protesters near Chaandhanee Magu, Dhiraagu traffic light. Those refusing to leave and obstruct Police work have been arrested.
Some protesters near Salt Cafe' Restaurant, on Bodu Thakurufaanu Magu, have been stopped and tear gassed. Four have been arrested.
Protesters have been divided into groups, with a leader attached on the march towards Islamic Center. Police yesterday had warned not to hold any activities between Maghrib and Isha prayers. Islamic Center area has been cordoned off.
Protesters have begun march towards Islamic Center, where Maghrib prayers will be held in a mass congregation.
The special dua for May Day was delivered by Sheikh Imran. Prior to his dua, Sheikh Imran had reminded the police and armed forces that there was no Minister worth protecting at the expense of the public. He highlighted on Adeeb’s blatant abuse of power, ties with international mafia gangs and repeatedly called on the connection between Dr. Afrasheem’s death and Adeeb and Yameen.
MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed also addressed the protesters, calling on them to remain steadfast in the face of State aggression.
Sheikh Imran: We are gathered here to end injustice and cruelty. When Humaam stated that President Yameen and Adeeb would know who had killed Dr. Afraasheem, he was right. We have to end this without hesitation. We have been a peaceful nation from the start. We have to ensure that we keep it that way for the future generations.
We had to get on the streets due to the corruption and injustice. When we were part of the Government coalition, we tried to prevent this, our efforts failed. We realized that the Government had no good intentions from the moment, Colonel Nazim was targeted. From that case we knew that Adeeb and Hussain Waheed were behind this act. We have to stop these two. We will not hurt anyone, even if the crime is huge. However, we will create justice, grant the lost rights.
Mahloof: "If we cannot make this a success, the future of the nation would be in peril"
MP Ahmed Mahloof: Raising voice against tyranny is the biggest form of jihad, that's why we are here today.
Ameen: We are gathered here today because our rights are being taken from us. Businesses are being exploited. Political leaders are being arrested.
Most of the protesters are sitting on Majeedhee Magu, now.
Ameen: Today is a historic, unprecedented day in the Maldivian history. Maldivians from all ranks of the society are gathered here for a movement that would impact the future.
JP Deputy Leader Ameen Ibrahim is presently speaking in the rally.
Raajje TV set up near Youth Center has been damaged.
Dr. Abdul Majeed Baaree former Islamic Minister: refusing to stand against tyranny is not something that is permitted to Muslims. Every Muslim must voice against tyranny.
The first row of the protesters have already reached Social Center.
Over 50,000 have gathered today, with more joining the protest on foot and motorcycles. Protesters have called to free former President Mohamed Nasheed, former Defense Minister Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim, find the murderers of slain Parliamentarian Dr. Afrasheem Ali and find the kidnapped journalist Ahmed Rilwan.
Parliamentarians, Ahmed Mahloof and Ali Waheed, Jumhooree Party Deputy Leader Ameen Ibrahim and AP leader Sheikh Imran Abdullah is on the forefront, as well as former Islamic Minister Dr. Abdul Majeed Abdul Baaree.
The protest has officially begun with protesters moving west of Majeedhee Magu.
Protesters are being sorted into lines, with senior figures of the opposition movement being seen on the forefront.
Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizz had tweeted that a senior official of Adhaalath Party (AP) had denounced today's protests.
Former Minister Dr. Mariyam Shakeela and Gender Ministry's Deputy Minister Shidhatha Shareef is also taking part in today's protest
Member of Parliament for Makunudhoo Constituency, Anaaraa Naeem had tweeted that she hoped today's protests lead by Adhaalath Party (AP) would be peaceful.
Amnesty International has released a statement noting protest organizers had said that the gangs have been offered "blank cheques" to infiltrate today's protest and create issues in the protest.
With the protest set to start in a few minutes, Police had already given protection to some gang members who had attempted to infiltrate the protest.
National Movement has stated that Maghrib prayers will be held in congregation, west of Majeedhee Magu. Many have gathered to Artificial Beach so far. Additionally, many had gathered to Usfasgandu area as well. Police and Army have already begun policing efforts, near the Parliament, STELCO, Hilaaleege, President Yameen’s residence and President’s Office.
Some scheduled flights from resorts to Male’ have been cancelled. As such, flights to Meeru Island Resort, Veligandu Island Resort, Vilamendhoo Island Resorts, Kuredu Island Resort, Komandoo Island Resort and Jumeirah Vittaveli have been cancelled.
Amnesty had issued an appeal not to use force against the protesters. The appeal also stated that the public should be able to vent out their frustrations and protest peacefully. Additionally, Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) had appealed for all not to involve minors in today’s protests. HRCM also appealed forces to use the least amount of force in such a situation. Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN) had stated that many international observers are closely monitoring the situation.
Sheikh Imran had tweeted his sentiments, stating that there was no option for the Government but to negotiate, as it can be seen that the Government had failed.
Minister Adeeb had severely ciritized the protest, calling out Sheikh Imran on his double standards on the Day, as Sheikh Imran was not employed.
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had stated that May Day T-shirts would be available from Usfasgandu.