The government has condemned violent protests on Wednesday night, during which ten police officers were injured.
Scuffles broke out between rival camps, after protesters aligned to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom hurled bricks and other projectiles at protesters calling for an investigation into the alleged corruption of the former regime.
Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair condemned the violence and appealed for calm: “It is unacceptable for any protester to throw projectiles or resort to violence of any kind.”
“Peaceful political protest is lawful – indeed even welcome – in the Maldives’ new democracy but protest must be peaceful,” said Zuhair.
“It is also unacceptable for protesters to call for the violent overthrow of a democratically elected government.”
“The Maldives has left behind a politics based on violence and coercion. We now enjoy multi-party democracy, the separation of powers and the right to peaceful political activity. I condemn anyone who attempts to drag the country backwards,” the Press Secretary added.
Of the ten police officers injured in Wednesday night’s protest, four sustained head injuries.
Addressing the People’s Majlis (parliament) on Thursday morning, President Nasheed called for unity: “Let us start a new era of co-operation and work together for the betterment of the people and the country.”