Tuesday
16th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Parliament representative for Henveiru-South constituency Hussain Shaheem (Andhun) has stated that the almost 20 youths on Friday who gathered on Boduthakurufaanu Magu to protest against China were not funded or paid to do so.
Most of those who participated in the demonstration on Friday use drugs. Some of the demonstrators informed Dhiyares that they had been paid to attend the protest. However, they did not specify who the money was from. According to reliable sources, the protest was arranged by supporters of former President Mohamed Nasheed.
People on social media speculated that the incident was funded by Andhun Hussain. Andhun, on a call with Dhiyares, claimed that he has not funded anyone regarding any matter.
He further stated that he maintained a good relationship with the Chinese Ambassador. “I have a close relationship with China, the Ambassador is like one of my best friends”, said Andhun. Currently abroad, he divulged that he has only been in contact with his and children.
While Andhun has made his statement, China has been criticized and described as a land-grabber within Maldives Democratic Party (MDP). Prior to the protest conducted by almost 20 youths, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih contacted President Xi Jinping of China and discussed ways to rekindle the relationship between the two countries.