Police disperse weekly prayer for political prisoners

Dozens of riot policemen dispersed the opposition’s weekly prayer for political prisoners at Malé’s main mosque on Friday.

Imthiyaz Fahmy, the main opposition Democratic Party’s spokesman, said policemen shoved aside scores of opposition supporters when they gathered inside the Islamic Center’s yard following the Friday prayers.

“They had their hands raised in prayer. It is very concerning that policemen would come between the people while they prayed to god,” he said.

The dispersal is the second consecutive attempt by the police to stop the weekly prayer, which began following the imprisonment of former President Mohamed Nasheed over a year ago.