Opposition leaders arrested from Republic Square sit-in released
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By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Opposition PPM-PNC leaders who were arrested from a sit-in protest at Republic Square on Thursday have been released in a few hours.
The PPM-PNC leadership gathered at Republic Square on Thursday afternoon to call for the release of opposition presidential candidate, former President Abdulla Yameen. Seven people, including MPs, were arrested.
PPM Secretary General Mohammed Tholal told Atoll Times on Thursday evening that all the arrested persons have been released.
"They were released after being asked to appear at the police station for questioning. Different people have been asked to appear at different times," Tholal said.
Four members of parliament were among the seven arrested:
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PPM Vice-President, Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam
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PNC Parliamentary Group Leader, Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef
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PNC Vice-President, Maavashu MP Mohamed Saeed
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Mahibadhoo MP Ahmed Thorig
Police also informed the parliament of the arrest. According to the law, after the arrest of a parliamentarian, the parliament must be notified.
The rest include Hulhumale councillor Ibrahim Shujau and Henveiru West councillor Ahmed Aifan.
The Republic Square is in the green zone where activities such as demonstrations are prohibited.
The PPM-PNC leadership held a press conference on Thursday evening and called for the release of the detainees.
PPM Parliamentary Group Leader, Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem said:
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The leadership did not demonstrate in Republic Square; It was a panel discussion
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Both ordinary citizens and expatriates spend time there, even making TikTok videos there
Opposition leaders on Tuesday called on the authorities to postpone the presidential election slated for September 9 until a decision is taken on the candidacy of their jailed leader, former president Abdulla Yameen.
The opposition PPM/PNC has handed over their presidential ticket to Yameen. However, while the ticket was handed over:
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Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in jail on December 25 for money laundering and accepting a bribe over the leasing of V. Aarah for tourism as part of the MMPRC corruption scandal
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The verdict has been appealed in the High Court but the appeal hearings have stalled as several judges are on leave
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Criminal Court is hearing two additional charges against him linked to the MMPRC corruption scandal
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The Elections Commission will open nominations for the presidential election on Sunday, with the deadline set for August 7
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The PPM/PNC has been expressing concern over the delay in the appeal hearings, as the nomination deadline looms
