Protest in Maldives :: Maldives News :: Dhivehi Observer

Breaking News
Police using tear gas and extreme force to disperse the crowd near parliament

1st August 2005

Male' - 03:15 - Inside information confirms that Police and Military is now on its Highest Alert level. They are now getting ready to use Cramp Gas - which is a type of Tear Gas mixed with other substances that can give you severe stomach pain. More about Tear Gas

Male' - 02:49am - Adduvas Weekly photographer Ali Fahudhu has been arrested by police near Mercury Light area for taking pictures of the incidents tonight.

Male' - 02:32 - Confirmed reports of more people gathering near Sosun Magu once again. "It appears that this cat and mouse game is going to last through the night, we are much more in numbers than police, we will show them who is really powerful, we want a peaceful protest and we will have one," said Saeed who called in to give the news from Sosun Magu.

Male' - 02:28 am - Situation in Male' appears to be still tense as more arrests are being made. Reports are coming that some 10 people have just been arrested by police near the famous Mercury Hotaa in Male'. Reports are coming that clashes between police and the locals are still on going.

Male' - 01:18 am - The stand-off has turned into a cat and mouse game between protestors and police; Protestors are refusing to go home, now outside Dharubaaruge. Star force is very excited about the whole thing since they can do all the practice they want with their newly acquired stun guns, on live humans. Number of injured are unclear as of now.

Male' - 00:48 am - Sources within Maldives Police Services have confirmed that the Star Force has been authorized to use any means necessary to disperse the crowd including orders to kill unarmed civilians.

Information obtained from witnesses say that they were in fact queuing up to get into the parliament house tomorrow as there is an important debate and they never get any space because government and police personnel in plain clothes fill up the small number of seats available in the house.

Male' - 00:15 am - Local sources confirm that Maldives Police Star Force is using tear gas and riot gear including stun-guns to disperse the crowd gathered outside the parliament house in Male'. Several people are reported injured. We will bring more news as we get them. Several people have been arrested. More people are reported to be converging on the area now.

Sunday 31 July 2005

Breaking News
Thousands demonstrating near the Maldives Parliament House in capital
Male' - Reports are coming that hundreds of reformists are crowded near the Majlis (Parliament House) in Male' and calling for the release of Sandhaanu prisoners and other political detainees. According to the sources, the crowd is getting bigger by the minute and heavy police presence is also there now.
On 12th August last year more than 10,000 people gathered in front of the Police HQ in Male' demanding the release of detained reformists and political prisoners. They also called for the resignation of the Dictator. The next day Gayyoom declared a state of emergency and beat up and arrested hundreds for months.