Maldives Coup

10 February

Police & MNDF Violence Continues

While protests have subsided for the time being in Male’ and the Atolls, the MNDF, Police and PPM members have been rounding up MDP supporters in Addu and severely beating them. MDP protesters were singled out by opposition party supporters (DRP, PPM, DQP, AP, JP) and detained off shore in coast guard boats (since all police stations have been destroyed).  There have been numerous accounts of these detained MDP supporters – including elected government officials – being brutally assaulted prior to police arrest, as well as from nearby dhoni (ferry) passing by the coast guard ship.

At least 3 people have been hospitalized from these brutal attacks, while 94 have been arrested in Addu.

In response, PPM, Police and MNDF hijacked MDP leadership in route to Addu to intervene on behalf of MDP supporters; this included President Nasheed’s former Advisor, Ismail Ibrahim and lawyer. Additionally, 3 members of the Addu city council – MDP members – have been arrested.

The baghee (coup) government anticipated protests from MDP supporters following Friday prayer, given that President Nasheed was attending. Furthermore, there is a history of former opposition supporters (i.e. baghee Waheed’s backers) protesting in this area following prayer.   Subsequently they attempted to lock the nearby Republic Square gate, which would have prevented citizens from peacefully assembling to protest Waheed’s baghee government following Friday prayer. The crowd thwarted hundreds of MNDF and police in riot gear, attempting this shameful behavior by exclaiming “baghee.” Although the senior MNDF officer ordered this lock down, a junior officer refused to follow his unethical command to block their access to Republic Square and President Nasheed, according to eyewitness accounts.  Hundreds of people jostled for a chance to shake President Nasheed’s hand as he was leaving the Mosque. Additionally, the thousands in attendance peacefully joined hands and walked home instead of protesting. 

Later Friday night, an “incident” occurred at MNDF headquarters, which then resulted in the MDP meeting at the Dharubaruge being cut short.  Although information has been speculative at best, rumors abound that the MNDF has split into factions in support of the MDP and President Nasheed, who refuse to take further orders to harm civilian protestors, versus those who have aligned themselves with the bagaavaiy government.  Furthermore, the same reports are circulating about the Police Services. Allegedly, the Police Commander ordered Friday’s MDP meeting stopped, but a faction within the police also refused to take orders to suppress the peaceful gathering.

Only time will tell if those within the Police and MNDF aligning themselves in defense of Maldivian citizens’ rights and the MDP can stop the violent oppression of baghee government supports within these institutions.  Hopefully, a peaceful solution will be reached to protect the constitutional rights of Maldivians and prevent further police and MNDF human rights violations. However, there is also the potential for the disagreements between these factions to degenerate into violent internal fighting. Given the recent events in Addu, strong leadership within the MNDF and police desperately needed to vet these institutions and root out corruption.  That scenario appears unlikely in the Police Services without external assistance from the Maldivian Human Rights Commission or other international institution, given their primary role in brining Waheed’s government to power.