Opposition members have protested the raids on five resorts of Jumhoree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim.

Customs said their officials, together with the police, searched the resorts on Wednesday and Thursday after receiving information that they had illegally obtained liquor.

The protest began at main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s campaign hall near Artificial Beach on Friday.

Senior opposition members and ordinary citizens joined the protest.

At the rally, Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain called on President Abdulla Yameen to “give back the embezzled money transferred to his account,” and said that the raids on Villa resorts were a warning to businessmen. Noting the increase of theft and oppression, MP Hussain said the opposition will not stop until there is a change in the administration.

Also at the rally, Nolhivaram MP Hussain Areef called on President Yameen to transfer his power to Vice President Abdulla Jihad.

Kaashidhoo MP Faisal Naseem accused the government of raiding JP leader Qasim’s resorts as an intimidation tactic for the upcoming presidential election.

Dhidhdhoo MP Mohamed Latheef expressed his confidence that the current administration will be voted out, and went on to criticize First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim.

MDP Vice President Mohamed Shifaz said the resort raids will not cause JP leader Qasim or any other opposition leader to back down.

Protestors were barred from leaving the MDP campaign hall by police officers. But unlike previous Fridays, officers did not confiscate the food in this rally.