Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Deputy Leader Mohamed Shifaz has stated that freezing all accounts of Villa Group and its subsidiaries will cause irreversible losses to the economy and the citizens.
Speaking in the “Maldivians against Oppression" rally held last night in Chaandhanee Magu, Shifaz stated that freezing Villa accounts was akin to freezing the accounts of all citizens. In last night’s rally, Shifaz appealed to the Government and President Yameen to stop such unjust acts against individuals such as Villa Group owner Qasim Ibrahim.
“I want to remind President Yameen that you are freezing the accounts of all Maldivians. You are working against the citizens. By acting against Villa, you are acting against the local economy. You are wrecking the lives of thousands of Maldivian families,” Shifaz said.
He highlighted that state owned companies are being used against Qasim’s businesses. Shifaz stated that Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) refuses to sell ice to fishing boats in Laamu Atoll who had sold fish to Qasim owned boats. He noted that this has impacted the fisheries sector in Laamu Atoll.
Shifaz also talked on the trial and sentencing of former Defense Minister Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim. He stated that the trial was a sham and only carried out because Yameen’s popularity was being challenged by that of Nazim’s. He added that the gun that was reportedly found in Nazim’s residence was still under Police administration. He stated that the gun cannot be held under Police administration as the trial has been concluded.
Shifaz said that former President and MDP President Mohamed Nasheed had given instructions on the future of the Party. Therefore, he said that the future of the Party was clear. He gave assurance that they would protest against the government until all those arrested on political charges were released.
He said that all citizens have to be fully aware of the consequences facing the nation due to the present oppressive regime. Shifaz stated that Yameen’s actions were not the acts of a ruler of a modern nation. He further stated that Yameen had taken control of the Parliament, independent institutions and targeted any potential political opponents. He added that due to the actions of the government, it was difficult to conduct any political activities as well.
Shifaz stated that Yameen still had the option to negotiate with the opposition parties and called on Yameen to choose that option. As the government had initially refused to come to negotiations, Shifaz stated that this option was a narrow one. He also stated that May 1st was a day when the opposition would bring out results.
“President Yameen refused to negotiate. He was insistent on being a tyrant. We are ready. The citizens are ready. We will face the government on May 1st. We are taking to the streets on May Day to bring justice for Maldivians, to free them from the oppression of the government. We are appealing peacefully; we are open for peaceful negotiations. However, that opportunity is narrowing. There is only two weeks for the rally. Our response to President’s refusal to negotiate is that we are ready. With God’s will, all the citizens of Maldives will gather in Male’ on May 1st. We will bring justice,” Shifaz said.