Thursday 5th Dec 2024
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Minister Ahmed Shiyaam

Maldives Police Arrest Opposition MP and 21 Others

The Maldives Police Service has arrested Ahmed Shiyam, the deputy leader of the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), on charges of organizing a protest aimed at ambushing the motorcade of President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih.
Last night, supporters of the opposition PPM gathered outside the party's headquarters in a boisterous demonstration. Coincidentally, President Solih's motorcade was passing by, following his attendance at an event in Hulhumale. Protesters staged a sit-in, effectively blocking the motorcade's path and preventing it from moving forward.
Faced with the obstruction, the motorcade was forced to make a detour to bypass the sit-in. Shortly thereafter, MP Shiyam was taken into custody by police officers as he exited a nearby cafe. In total, 21 individuals were arrested during the course of the night.
These arrests highlight the Solih administration's strict policy of zero tolerance towards the freedom of assembly.