Reference: 33/03/2012

14March2012

The Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has announced that it will mark the 2012 International Day Against Police Brutality on 15th March with peaceful protests in Male and elsewhere in the Maldives. Since the overthrow of the Maldives’ first democratically elected President, Mohamed Nasheed, on 7th February, the Maldives has experienced a major rise in the frequency and severity of police brutality against peaceful protesters and supporters of MDP.


Police brutality against women has been particularly severe, with women subjected to high-powered water cannons while sitting in peaceful protest against the regime of Dr.Waheed. Minors have also been hospitalised after police attacks on MDP assemblies. MDP Members of Parliament and former government ministers have also been subjected to police-sponsored violence – including illegal detention and torture.


In order to protect minors from further police brutality, MDP has called on its supporters to make sure that no children participate in the demonstrations planned for the 15th. It also repeated its call for the police to act with restraint, especially when dealing with women, and for all protesters to act peacefully.


“MDP will continue its protests until a framework agreement is reached between all parties, which includes a date and conditions for early elections” said Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, MDP spokesperson for international affairs.

ENDS

Hamid Abdul Ghafoor
Spokesperson, International Affairs
Mobile: +9607778285