Four people were arrested for obstructing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's motorcade during the opposing PPM's protest, police have said.
PPM holds its serial protests calling for the release of their jailed leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, outside their office on Boduthakurufaanu Magu every night. On Monday night, supporters of the opposition coalition blocked the President's motorcade while it was traveling along Boduthakurufaanu Magu following a function at Hulhumale' Umar Zahir Building.
Naifaru MP and PPM's Vice President, Ahmed Shiyam, was arrested among others on Monday night. However, he has now been released. Police did not say whether Shiyam was among the four people arrested for obstructing the motorcade.
Police had earlier said that Shiyam was arrested for protesting in violation of the Peaceful Assembly Act and because protestors at a protest led by Shiyam had obstructed the presidential motorcade in front of the PPM office. A total of 17 people, including nine women and eight men, were arrested in connection with the protest. They were arrested on charges of obstructing the police.
"Police are investigating both cases," police said.
The PPM alleges that the arrest and detention of the protesters were to cover up the failure of the security forces to provide security for the President.
