Planned nation-wide peaceful protest against Police brutality gains momentum

There is gathering support for the planned nation-wide peaceful protest that will coincide with the day parliament opens. The protest was called for by the Party’s National Council in response to recent incidents of violence and arrests by the Police, and the organized harassment and assaults by regime supporters against MDP members.

The protest will highlight continued Police brutality, the most recent manifestation of which was in Addu Atoll and Baarah Island , and continued acts of violence against MDP supporters by agent provocateurs of the ruling regime.

The earlier date for the demonstration, 25 February, was the same date for the opening of the People’s Majlis (parliament) for this year. However, the President’s Office announced this month that the ceremony for the opening of parliament will be brought forward to February 22.  The Party’s National Council had subsequently decided to hold the demonstration on whichever date set for opening of parliament.

The MDP is holding meetings at various levels to organize the assembly, the main rally of which would be held at the artificial beach in Male’.