MDP defies state of emergency with food parties
In an interview with The New York Times, Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon acknowledged that one aim of declaring a state of emergency was to stop the MDP’s mass protest, claiming it “might lead to violence and possible use of explosive devices or weapons that we know are out there.”
08 Nov 2015, 9:00 AM
Taunting state of emergency measures currently in force, supporters of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) gathered at the party’s meeting hall in Malé last night for an “emergency pizza” party.
The main opposition party had also organised an “emergency tea” party on Friday afternoon in lieu of a planned mass protest. The MDP was forced to call off the protest in the wake of President Abdulla Yameen suspending the right to freedom of assembly during the 30-day nationwide state of emergency.
On Friday, police officers crashed the tea party, dispersed hundreds of supporters, and briefly detained five people.
Police officers also arrived at the MDP’s haruge shortly after last night’s gathering began at 10:00pm and blocked its entrance.
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