Thursday
2nd May 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Opposition leader, former President Yameen
Opposition leader, former President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, has travelled to Meedhoo (Raa Atoll) as part of his campaigning for the "India Out" movement; a grassroots movement that calls for the removal of Indian military personnel and assets from the Maldives.
Households in Meedhoo had spray-painted the "India Out" slogans on the walls of their houses as a show of support for the movement.
Since the former President's acquittal from a 5-year prison sentence by the Supreme Court, he and his party have intensified the grasroots "India Out" movement. The opposition leader has travelled to various islands since to gain support for the movement. Most recently, he had travelled to Shaviyani and Faafu atolls.
The government has taken many steps to hinder and stop the "India Out" movement.
Most recently, the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party have drafted a bill, which they have decided to submit to Majlis, which would criminalise expressing views that opposed a foreign country. The bill is believed to be designed to stop and criminalise the "India Out" movement.
The draft proposes MVR20,000 fines, jail-sentences, and house-arrest as punishments.
In addition, the Parliament Committee on National Security Services (also known as the 241 Committee) has launched an inquiry into any ill effects which may be caused by the "India Out" movement. The inquiry was launched by the request for Majlis Speaker Mohamed Nasheed.