Security forces descend on Villigili for Yameen visit
Hundreds of police and soldiers descended on Gaafu Alif atoll Villingili ahead of a visit from President Abdulla Yameen, cracking down on opposition protesters by removing banners and placards.
27 Sep 2017, 9:00 AM
Hundreds of police and soldiers descended on the island of Villingili in Gaafu Alif atoll ahead of a visit from President Abdulla Yameen, cracking down on opposition protesters by removing banners and placards.
Around 300 security officers, some armed, were sent to Villingili two days prior to Yameen’s arrival according to atoll council president Ahmed Fuad.
“We have never seen anything like that.They were conducting military training exercises here in the evenings when children were out in the street.Our kids were scared. They (security officers) were marching and bellowing at the top of their voices,” he said.
Yameen arrived in Villingili Tuesday evening and inaugurated a Saudi Arabia-donated mosque. He also spoke at the atoll’s party headquarters and gave a speech at an official party function.
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