Democrats condemn MDP for vandalising parliament property
Eva, who represents The Democrats in the parliament, was unable to attend Sunday's sitting because she was suffering from dengue fever.
By
Mariyam Umna Ismail
The Democrats have condemned the vandalism of parliament and employees' belongings during a protest on the parliament floor after the parliament sitting scheduled for Sunday did not take place.
According to Article 205(e) of the rules of procedure, Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla is required to preside over the sitting where the no-confidence motion against the speaker tabled. However, Eva did not attend Sunday's sitting citing illness. Thereafter:
-
The MDP MPs who moved the no-confidence motion against speaker Mohamed Nasheed expressed their dissatisfaction and protested in the house
-
Scenes of their protests are circulating on social media, with one video showing MDP members gathering near the administrative table and taking away the monitor of Counsellor General Fathimath Filza's computer system
-
He is also seen addressing the Council General in abusive language
Eva, who represents The Democrats in the parliament, was unable to attend Sunday's sitting because she was suffering from dengue fever, Democrats said in a statement.
The statement said that as soon as the Secretary General made the announcement, MDP MPs gathered near the administrative table and shouted obscenities at the employees and damaged their belongings.
-
Maradhoo MDP Member Ibrahim Shareef entered the presidency area and sat in the Speaker’s chair
-
Counsel General Filza's computer system was knocked down and her mobile phone and handbag were damaged
"The party calls on MDP members not to commit uncivilised acts such as damaging their private property, violating parliament’s dignity within the premises of the parliament and sitting illegally in the chair. If there is a criminal offence, we call on the relevant institutions to investigate the matter,” The Democrats said.
The MDP has now filed a constitutional petition at the Supreme Court over the deadlock on Nasheed's no-confidence motion.
