Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that those arrested in GA. Kolamaafushi were assigned as election observers by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
In a tweet on Monday, the leader of MDP said that the arrested activists were assigned to observe the polling stations on election day.
He said that even if they were arrested to make way for electoral fraud, it has only increased Kolamaafushi’s support for Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the candidate of the Joint Opposition.
Kolamaafushin hayyaru koffa vanee MDP in vote foshi thakah kan’daelhi observerun adhi vote laa dhuvahu harakaiytherivaane activistun.Mi ee vote olhuvaalumuge unmeedhugai kurevunu kameh nama,mikamuge asaru enburunee MDP kolhah.Hon @ibusolih ah Kolamaafushin libey vote vee ithuru
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) September 3, 2018
18 people were arrested on August 29 for allegedly damaging a campaign site. They have been remanded and charged with terrorism.
Their arrest order released by the GA. Villingili magistrate court stated that they have been accused of disturbing the peace, assault, and damage to property in Kolamaafushi at 6pm on August 29 and is to be arrested due to the risk of them influencing witness testimonies and due to security risks.
Ruling party supporters had decorated Kolamaafushi with their posters and flags after Joint Opposition presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced he would be visiting the island. Supporters of both sides were injured in the confrontation that followed.
Meanwhile, the group of men who had attempted to assault Solih and his campaign team in Hulhumale’ and the ruling party activist that had called for Nasheed to be beheaded remain free.
