MALE: Clashes broke out in the Maldives on Friday after thousands of supporters of the tropical archipelago’s jailed former president took to the streets to call for his release.

Police used stun guns, tear gas and pepper spray to disperse crowds and stopped them from entering the high-security government zone in the capital Male, a police spokesman said.

A crowd of more than 10,000 people had gathered earlier on Friday, before marching through the streets chanting “Free Nasheed”.

The protest was the largest since Nasheed was imprisoned in March for his role in ordering the arrest of a judge in a trial the United Nations has said was highly flawed and politically motivated.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

More pledges
25 May, 2024

More pledges

THE administration’s campaign to bring Gulf investment to Pakistan continues apace, with the prime minister...
Pemra overreach
25 May, 2024

Pemra overreach

IT seems, at best, a misguided measure and, at worst, an attempt to abuse regulatory power to silence the media. A...
Enduring threat
25 May, 2024

Enduring threat

THE death this week of journalist Nasrullah Gadani, who succumbed to injuries after being attacked by gunmen, is yet...
IMF’s unease
Updated 24 May, 2024

IMF’s unease

It is clear that the next phase of economic stabilisation will be very tough for most of the population.
Belated recognition
24 May, 2024

Belated recognition

WITH Wednesday’s announcement by three European states that they intend to recognise Palestine as a state later...
App for GBV survivors
24 May, 2024

App for GBV survivors

GENDER-based violence is caught between two worlds: one sees it as a crime, the other as ‘convention’. The ...