Thursday
2nd May 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Maldives Police Service (MPS) has refused to hand over the banner removed from the residence of former President Abdullah Yameen.
The 75-foot banner was removed four weeks back, under a court warrant. President Yameen and his legal team filed the case in High Court.
High Court had nullified the decree, citing that Police had acted unlawfully in removing the banner.
Once the Court arrived at the decision, opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) leadership had requested MPS to hand over the banner. MPS had refused to do so.
PPM Spokesperson Heena Waleed reported that MPS had said they would not be able to hand over the banner immediately. MPS added that once processed by the relevant department, then the banner would be returned.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih criminalized the movement in April, citing national security risks. Since then, all banners and depictions calling for the removal of Indian military personnel in the country had been removed. “India Out” protesters have been terrorized and journalists covering the protests have faced difficulties as well.