Police Response to Opposition Protest in Maldives Leaves Journalist Injured
The opposition party of the Maldives (PPM) held a protest today outside the premises of the parliament house when President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih addressed the inaugural session of the parliament for this year. The protest was met with heavy police resistance, leading to multiple arrests and injury to a journalist covering the event.
According to eyewitnesses, a specialist operations squad of police pushed the journalist to the ground, causing him to fall unconscious. He is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital's Intensive Care Unit. The police dispersed the protestors using pepper spray and violent tactics.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated a zero tolerance policy towards anti-government protests. During his speech, opposition parliament members also protested inside the chamber of the parliament and were removed from the floor by the parliament's security force.
The opposition has vowed to continue its protests until their leader, former President Yameen, is freed. He is currently serving an 11-year sentence.