Former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has been fined for breaching the health guidelines and safety measures set against the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The ex-president was fined MVR 1,000 and was summoned to the Maldives Police Service (MPS) for questioning in connection to the issue of him having participated in an opposition rally staged by the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) in Maldives capital Malé City during August.

After about two hours inside the police headquarters, Dr. Waheed exited building and spoke to press, asserting that the fine imposed on him was a “politically motivated” one.

The ex-president and Special Advisor to the opposition coalition, went on to stress that some political leaders have been seen out on the streets and in public spaces without their face masks on, which is in clear violation of the face mask mandate, however, no action has been taken against these individuals.

Waheed denied having breached HPA guidelines despite having been fined, as he was wearing a face mask throughout the protest, staged on August 28.

In connection to the government’s response efforts against the coronavirus pandemic, Waheed stated that more actions need to be taken and efforts need to be boosted. He assured that he will fully cooperate with authorities in their efforts to curb the spread of the virus in the island nation.

Health authorities made face masks mandatory in public spaces, from August 1 and is part of their efforts to curb the spread of the virus and avoid re-introducing a state of lockdown.

As a precautionary measure, authorities have also prohibited gatherings, however, the opposition coalition held a motorcycle rally in the capital in violation of this, as well as the social distancing guidelines in place.

Other opposition leaders were also summoned for questioning and fined, alongside both opposition parties, amounting MVR 75,000.

Some of the leadership officials who were slapped with MVR 1,000 fines include PNC’s President Abdul Raheem Abdulla, former MP for Baarah constituency Ibrahim Shujau and PNC’s Vice President and Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam.