Key DRP Parliamentarians arrested ahead of vote of no-confidence, alleges opposition

The Maldives police arrested key DRP parliamentarians last night, ahead of a crucial vote of no confidence in the Auditor General in Parliament, the Opposition alleged.

The arrest happened just after 10 pm, the party said in an urgent statement.

Amongst those arrested were Parliamentarian Ilham Ahmed who is also DRP Deputy Leader; Parliamentarian Ahmed Mahloof, President of the Youth Wing, Asia Pacific Youth Caucus President of the Commonwealth; DRP Deputy Leader Umar Naseer; Parliamentarian and DRP Deputy Leader Ali Waheed and senior activist Ahmed Saleem (Marz).

“Police used tear gas and batons to break up an opposition rally demanding the immediate resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed,” it said.

Prior to the arrest “a number of projectiles, including bottles and chairs were hurled at opposition supporters which included thousands of women.”

The party alleged that the arrest came in a bid to defeat the vote of no-confidence in the Auditor General Ibrahim Naeem for alleged misappropriation of state funds.

“Faced with charges of corruption and embezzlement of state funds, the opposition parliamentary coalition and numerous independent members are likely to vote in favour of impeaching the Auditor General,” the statement said.

The ongoing parliamentary debate prior the vote of no-confidence was disrupted for the third consecutive day, yesterday.

Citing to “latest reports” the DRP said the arrested opposition leaders have been transferred to the Dhoonidhoo Detention Centre outside Male’ in a speedboat.

The opposition urged the international community to apply pressure on the government to ensure the safety of the opposition members.

- Asian Tribune -