Thasmeen and Gasim join protests on soaring price of commodities
-Both factions of DRP joined the last night’s protests
-MDP Moosa Manik and activists defy the protestors

Leader of the main opposition party Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Ahmed Thasmeen Ali and leader of opposition party Jumhooree Party (JP), Gasim Ibrahim have joined the protests on the escalating price of commodities and services last night.

Speaking to the protestors, DRP Leader Thasmeen said that the life of the people are going backward with soaring prices, ailing health care system, a flagging economy, and rife corruption. He said that although there might be political differences, all must unite together for the people.

Thasmeen also called on the Police not to obstruct and break peaceful protests and demonstrations.

JP Leader Gasim strongly condemned the callous assault by the police on Saturday night’s protests by crushing demonstrations with excessive use of force leading to scores of injuries and numerous arrests. He said that it is a constitutional right to hold peaceful demonstrations and protests.

While leading members of both the factions of DRP joined together in last night’s protests, some activists of ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) also were active in the protest. Politicians and the youth called for the resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed for failed economic policies and unfulfilled presidential vows.

Some of the politicians who led the protests announced a protest to be held on Friday right after the Friday prayer at the Republican Square.

MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Moosa Manik and the party’s newly elected Vice President Alhan Famy with some activists gathered near the protestors and defied the protestors.

After several warnings from the Police, Riot-gear clad police armed with batons and shields, broke up the demonstration at about 3:00 hrs last night.

The demonstrations organised by many of the youth and the public, imitating the demonstrations held in Egypt at the Tahrir Square, was held over the growing concerns and worries among the population over the escalating price of commodities and services.