The opposing PPM-PNC coalition has said that the police are using excessive force against the opposition protesters on the orders of the government.
The PPM-PNC coalition said in a statement that it strongly condemned the use of excessive force by the police and outlined instances where pepper spray was directly sprayed on the faces and mouths of demonstrators. Additionally, the opposition coalition alleged that a group of thugs, allegedly sponsored by the government, purposefully disrupted the peaceful protest by throwing bottles at the demonstrators.
The opposition further noted the use of pepper spray against Faresmathoda MP Hussain Mohamed Latheef, who required medical attention as a result. The statement said PPM-PNC Coalition Movement's Committee Chairman Mohamed Ismail's had severe swelling in his eyes due to pepper spray exposure, resulting in impaired vision. The statement also said the police sprayed pepper spray on journalists wearing media passes and deliberately damaged their equipment.
"The violence exerted by the police, displaying no regard for those with special needs, women and senior citizens, is a very low-level act by the police," the statement said.
According to the PPM-PNC, the escalation of violence against demonstrators is the direct consequence of the failure of institutions entrusted with the legal responsibility of preventing such inhumane acts. Calling out the institutions on their reluctance to fulfill their constitutional and legal obligations, the statement urged responsible institutions to prioritize the prevention of such incidents and take the necessary measures to address the situation.
