Opposition not involved in yoga violence: EC
EC president Fuad Thaufeeg, when asked by Atoll Times, on Sunday said he was aware that some party members were involved in the violence.
By
Mariyam Umna Ismail
The Elections Commission (EC) on Sunday cleared opposition PPM-PNC coalition of involvement in the violence that broke out at Galolhu Stadium in June amidst an event held to mark the International Yoga Day.
Some senior government officials and foreign diplomats were present at the Galolhu Stadium when a group of people barged into the grounds after standing outside the venue for several hours to protest against the event. The group of people who entered the field attacked some of the occupants and damaged some equipment.
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The police had earlier claimed that some of the items used by the miscreants during the yoga event were taken out from the PPM office
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A photo from the office while the flags were being hoisted was also circulated at the time; it showed former Hoarafushi MP and a leader of the opposition PPM, Mohamed Ismail
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PPM said that even if the rioters at the stadium grounds had carried flags taken from the party office, it was not to serve their purpose and that the party had no role in the violence
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EC launched a probe into the alleged role of a political party in the riot; said action will be taken if there was any involvement
EC president Fuad Thaufeeg, when asked by Atoll Times, on Sunday said he was aware that some party members were involved in the violence, but it was not proved that it was done under the party’s leadership.
"We know that some people belonging to the party [PPM] were involved in it. But it is not clear that it was done under the party’s leadership," Fuad said.
"There is no involvement of any party."
Though 23 people were arrested in the case, only 18 were charged by the PG office, earlier this month. One of the most high-profile people accused in the case, the PPM’s Ismail has been charged with involvement in a terrorist act and obstruction of justice.
