MDP Rally - Journey to Justice!

17 & 18 February

Around 30,000 MDP protestors packed Raalhugan'du, a neighborhood area near to the Tsunami Memorial on Male’.  Events started around 4pm and are still ongoing more than 24 hours later.  The crowd was amped in support of restoring peace and democracy as well as holding elections prior to 2013. 

While there were serious concerns that this protest would be met by more police and MNDF brutality, enough People Power pressure has been generated to compel the baghee Police to announce this protest was “peaceful” and there would be no need for intervention.  (This is in part thanks to countless photos and videos circulating on social networks and independent news stations, which are still managing to get content out despite the Baghee government crackdown.) Although, this did not stop police from holding hundreds in dhonis from reaching Addu to join simultaneous MDP protests there. 

The excitement was palpable as thousands continued to pour into the protest well into the night.  They were decked out in red, green, white, and especially yellow, showing their support for the Nation and MDP.  The speed in which t-shirts printed with excellent slogans complemented the sea of banners and signs punctuating the crowd; “No Corruption in Court,” “Freedom is Our Birthright,” “Coup Kills,” “No Guns,” “No Private Business in Our Courts,” “Say No to Rebel Government,” “Vote Love Anni,” “Stop Beating Our Own People,” If It’s Not A Coup, What Is It?” “Stop Police Brutality,” “My Vote Grabbed,” “Fair Elections Now, No Excuse,” and perhaps the crowd favorite “Money Money, Yes Sir.” This last phrase has been chanted endlessly since the February 7^th coup, but there seems to be a shift in awareness by citizens that they truly do hold the power, because police all over Male’ are being shamed by passersby with this phrase.  While retaliation is a concern, there is no more fear among Maldivian MDP supporters of President Nasheed, because they know they are in the right and there is strength in numbers.   

Scores of protestors waved MDP and Maldivian flags, creating beautiful moving waves of color that rose and fell as supporters cheered on speakers.  The speeches continued well into the night, but some of the more potent points highlighted the need to improve the judiciary and electoral systems, that the coup did not represent the will of Maldivian people as it was carried out while most people were sleeping or at work. Another salient point was that when the police staged the coup, they were shouting “Allah Akbar” (God is great), but their Baghee supporters are the resort owners who sell pork and alcohol, which is incredibly ironic.  Not to mention, the statement “don't tell us what terrorism is, we’ve seen police and MNDF burning MNBC, that’s terrorism.”

The energy kept going strong with the well organized mix of music, boduberu (traditional drumming) and singing, inspiring speeches, poetry, and a video compilation of the Baghee police and MNDF brutality. When President Nasheed addressed the crowd Friday night, he asked whether people wanted to leave at the 12am curfew or stay? The resounding answer was to stay until an election date was set!  The overwhelming support for President Nasheed and the MDP is striking. Donations included mats for nearly 1/3 – if not more – of the crowd to sit on, endless water bottles, snacks, coffee, bondi baiy (sweet coconut rice) and fish curry.  Many protestors slept through the night, while the podium was opened to anyone who wished to speak.  Maldivian citizens made their voices heard and cheered in support of restoring democracy, human rights, and holding early elections could be heard all night.  By 4am people had begun to pitch tents and settle in for what could be a very long protest. 

President Nasheed addressed the diehard crowd around 6am Saturday and they showed no signs of waning. In fact, support has been bolstered by nearly 800 arrivals from the northern Atolls and 500 more from the south are on their way.  The protest has taken on a jovial atmosphere with many games being provided including pool, garlando football (aka foosball), table tennis, cards, and chess.  Saturday’s events even included face painting and a barbeque, while rock bands and other performances are also being held.  Rumors continue to circulate that police MDP supporters will also be joining the protest Saturday evening. (That would be a dramatic and important step for restoring trust and respect, considering they are seen as wholly illegitimate at this point.) Clearly, Maldivians are standing strong in the face of oppression and will continue to do so until their demands for a free and fair election are met and human rights protections are restored.