Authorities on Tuesday evening have arrested three locals from Noonu atoll Velidhoo for voicing loud dissent towards current government and its president upon the head of state Abdulla Yameen reaching the island for campaign.
President Abdulla Yameen visited the island around 20:30hrs on Tuesday evening to join the closing ceremonies of completion of water and sewerage network.
Maldives Police acting under a court warrant had locked down a Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) camp at the island's harbor, close in vicinity to president Yameen's expected arrival spot, moments before his actual arrival.
Authorities had also confiscated several banners put by the opposition party across its camp, before president Yameen arrived.
An official of MDP claimed a Velidhoo local was arrested for voicing dissent against current government and chanting 'thief' at incumbent president. Two more who voiced strong dissent were arrested shortly after.
Police have not revealed if the apprehended individuals have been released or not.
