Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Deputy Leader Mohamed Shifaz has responded back to the arbitrary arrests, stating that if arrests could cease the direct action, then it would have happened already.

Speaking in the rally outside MDP headquarters, Shifaz said that if brute force would have stopped direct action, then it would have already happened. Shifaz urged all to use the right of freedom of assembly.

Noting that four Parliamentarians had already been jailed for participating in the reformist movement, Shifaz said President Yameen had placed the Parliament under lockdown. He added that President Yameen saw the calls for a cessation to corruption and graft as destructive views.

Shifaz further said it would be impossible to empower Police and Army to fulfil their mandate so long as President Yameen is allowed to manipulate the system.

Most of the opposition members are either under investigation or in jail. In spite of this, the opposition members assure that they are steadfast and determined to bring change to the nation.