Police obstruct efforts to provide water to protesters for breaking their fast

Police have obstructed a team from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) from providing water to break their fast while they were at Public Service Media (PSM) to meet with its management. The opposition team sought the meeting to address concerns over the state broadcaster exclusively airing news and programming aligned with the government's stance on the referendum to synchronize presidential and parliamentary elections.

A delegation from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) arrived at Public Service Media (PSM) at 1:00 p.m. on Monday to meet with the broadcaster's management. However, PSM's senior leadership refused to meet with the team. The MDP delegation remained at the PSM reception area, seeking a meeting to discuss and resolve outstanding issues. Despite their presence, PSM management reportedly summoned the police, who are now attempting to forcibly remove the group from the premises.

Furthermore, police refused to provide water to those inside to break their fast following the call to prayer. A RaajjeTV journalist reporting from the scene near PSM stated that police blocked attempts to bring water inside when the fast-breaking time arrived. The journalist further noted that despite repeated requests, police kept the doors closed and maintained that water would not be allowed in. Ultimately, those outside had to force the doors open to deliver the water.

While members of the MDP were at Public Service Media (PSM) seeking a meeting, the company’s Deputy Managing Director, Mohamed Abdulla Yameen, was seen leaving the building. However, when the members requested a meeting with the management at the reception earlier that afternoon, the staff member on duty falsely claimed that there were no executives present as it was a public holiday.