AMN / WEB DESK
The widespread protests have erupted across Maldives despite the country is under a state of emergency. Pro-Opposition protesters were demanding the resignation of President Yameen Abdul Gayoom and the release of his political opponents from prison.
Dozens of pro-opposition supporters were injured and many were arrested after police broke up protests.
Thousands of people took part in the protests in the archipelago nation on Friday. Several people were hospitalised with injuries and many protesters were arrested, but the hospital and police officials refused to provide numbers.
The injured included about 10 reporters who were covering the protest. Police said yesterday that the demonstrators had ignored warnings that the right to protest has been suspended under the state of emergency. The Maldives has been in a political turmoil since February 1.
Soon after imposing the state of emergency, President Abdulla Yameen’s administration arrested two Supreme Court judges and detained former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on allegations that he solicited bribes to topple the government.
Thousands gathered in locations across the 15 islands in protest on Friday to demand the arrest of the president and the enforcement of the court ruling to free the opposition leaders.