Thursday
19th Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
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.