Reports indicate over 13 have been arrested as a crowd of over a thousand, representing the National Unity Alliance of opposition groups, gathered outside the presidential palace Monday night to protest delays to ratification of the country’s new constitution.
It was the Alliance’s first use of direct action, with members requesting a meeting with President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and lobbying for the constitution to come into effect immediately.
Several others, including MPs, report being beaten as police in riot gear tried to push protesting crowds away from the palace.
The protest follows reports Gayoom may return the new constitution to the Special Majlis (constitutional assembly) to request further changes, despite completion of voting on the document on 26 June.
Police media spokesperson Sergeant Shiyam confirmed “some people are in police custody,” but would not verify the number.
Dhaal atoll MP Mohamed Riyaz is reported to have been beaten, while MP for Malé Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel), of the Social Liberal Party, said a police officer had hit him on the chest.
Peaceful protesters were met with nearly 100 police in riot gear and traffic police equipped with electric batons, as they called for Gayoom’s resignation and immediate ratification of the constitution. Numbers of protesters were estimated by at over a thousand.
Police have cordoned off the area surrounding the presidential palace at the time of writing, whilst reports of further arrests continue.
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