Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)، Jumhooree Party (JP) and the anti-Government parties have begun their “Maldivians in defence of the Constitution” protest with over thousand participants rallying against the claimed unconstitutional acts of the Government.
Reports say after concluding the preparation، the protest was kicked off around 16:20 near Raalhugandu area.
The protesters marched from Raalhugandu area to the beach area، where they halted to ‘arrange the lines of their army’.
Ali Waheed، speaking during ‘army’s halt’ said the protest will be a peaceful protest which will be filling the entire Majeedhee Magu، and their primary demand is the immediate release of their leader، former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Ali Waheed speaking in the protest | Vaguthu Photo
JP leader Qasim Ibrahim’s recorded speech was also played in the protest with more demands; revoke Auditor General’s act، immediate release of the Minister Nazim، President Nasheed and others، enforcing Fishermen’s subsidies، not to levy import duties to crude oil، empowering local councils، enforcing Aasandha to everyone، immediate probing of corruption charges pressed against Government officials، and setting salary structures of teachers and civil servants fairly،
Qasim further said the protest will conclude at the call for Maghrib prayer and that MDP or JP councils will not take responsibilities of any unlawful activities which takes place after that.
The opposition’s protest| Vaguthu Photo
The protesters reportedly marched in Boduthakurufaanu magu and turned to Majeedhee magu، after the speeches of MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed and JP Leader Qasim Ibrahim.
The protest is participated by several Majlis members، senior officials of both parties، general members and several islanders from other atolls. The protesters are reportedly calling for the immediate release of their leader President Nasheed and the immediate resignation of the incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and the government – claiming the Government is illegitimate now.
The protest is reportedly ongoing peacefully without any unrest.
(more to follow in other news updates)