Leaders and supporters of the National Unity Alliance have gathered near the President's Palace Theemuge tonight at about 8.15 pm wanting to meet President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Among them were Presidential candidates from MDP Mohamed Nasheed, Anni, Social Liberal Party Ibrahim Ismail, IDP Umar Naseer, Adalath President Sheikh Hussain Rasheed, National Congress President Mohamed Naeem, some members of the People's Majlis. Supporters of the Alliance and opposition parties thronged in large numbers and joined the peaceful protest within minutes.
Police immediately came to the scene and cordoned off the Palace sending the crowd further away from the Palace. There were shouts and angry chanting calling the President to resign and ratify the constitution without any delay.There were minor confrontations between the Police and some people in the crowd. According to some reports minor injuries were caused to some protesters during the efforts of the police to control the crowd.
Leaders of the Alliance including Anni, Ibra Umar Naseer were seen speaking to some police personnel requesting to convey their wish to the President. They were telling they only want to meet the President, and President can give a convenient time to meet them, and they will go. Police continued their efforts to disburse the crowd, but the protest continued for about two hours. Several people were seen leaving the crowd obeying to the orders of the Police. Leaders of the Alliance have told reporters and police officers in the forefront that it will be a peaceful assembly. More than 1000 people could have been in the crowd.
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