The Maldivian government has condemned a violent protest held last night in the capital, Male’, by around 300-400 supporters of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Scores of people were injured and shops and private property were damaged when protestors hurled bricks and other projectiles at the police. The police responded to the unprovoked assault with tear gas and made several arrests.
The protest was orchestrated by the Z-DRP, a faction of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, which is under the control of former President Gayoom.
Gayoom was President of the Maldives for 30 years, until he was unseated by President Nasheed in the country’s first democratic elections in late 2008.
“The government condemns the violence perpetrated by some of Gayoom’s supporters last night,” said President’s Office Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair.
“Peaceful political activity, such as the right to protest, is legal – and indeed welcome – in the Maldives’ new democracy. But there can be no excuse for needlessly causing violence in the streets,” added Zuhair.
“We have numerous peaceful political rallies, protests, petitions and other forms of legitimate democratic activity throughout the year, which is a healthy part of our democracy. However, whenever Mr Gayoom’s supporters take to the streets, it always seems to end in violence and bloodshed,” Zuhair added.