Reference: 37/03/2012

19March 2012

The party’s comments follow a large fire in the Maldivian capital, Male’, today.


The MDP is concerned that elements loyal to the government may have deliberately started the blaze as a pretext for labeling today’s peaceful protest as violent, and cracking down on demonstrators.


The MDP condemns the Waheed regime’s attempts to associate the MDP with acts of violence, even before conducting an independent investigation.


Thousands of pro-democracy supporters poured onto the streets this morning to peacefully protest DrWaheed’s attempt to address the People’s Majlis.


Protesters are calling for early presidential elections to be held in the Maldives this year, and a political agreement prior to the opening of the People’s Majlis, negotiated through all party talks.


President Nasheed was ousted from office in a police and military-backed coup on 7 February.

ENDS

Hamid Abdul Ghafoor
Spokesperson, International Affairs
Mobile: +9607778285