mdptobecharged
Tuesday's MDP assembly leaders to be charged
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent
Male’, Maldives, 26th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The planners and leaders of the failed demonstration by a few members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) are to be charged with crimes relating to the event in the next few days. Sources within the Attorney General's office tell olhuala.com that the paperwork might be completed as early as today.
In the days leading up to the event, the public had been advised continuously, not to join in the activity. When the assembly got underway, many had believed the police would act to break it up. However police sources indicated to the public that their preferred policy was to pursue the matter in the courts.
Much speculation had surrounded the legality of the action as the MDP had insisted that they were acting under the freedoms of assembly granted under the Constitution. However, the governments stated legal position was the exact reverse: any political demonstration at an open public place were specifically prohibited by the Political Party Regulations. Mohamed Nasheed’s attorney Husnu Suoodh, gave his legal opinion on behalf of the MDP prior to the event stating that the MDP’s proposed gathering was legal. Observers were quick to point out the fact that Suoodh backed out from attending the event at the very last moment for ‘personal reasons’.
The freedoms granted under Article 26 of the Constitution specifically states that such freedom of assembly is subject to limitations provided under existing Laws. The MDP, in its own rules voted for by its members in December, vow to abide by the Political Party Regulations.
The debate had proved divisive even within the MDP as some members of the shadow cabinet had withdrawn their support for the event. Some like Mohamed Shihab had privately petitioned members to try and call off the event.
Click to read full story
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent
Male’, Maldives, 26th January 2006 (olhuala.com) – The planners and leaders of the failed demonstration by a few members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) are to be charged with crimes relating to the event in the next few days. Sources within the Attorney General's office tell olhuala.com that the paperwork might be completed as early as today.
In the days leading up to the event, the public had been advised continuously, not to join in the activity. When the assembly got underway, many had believed the police would act to break it up. However police sources indicated to the public that their preferred policy was to pursue the matter in the courts.
Much speculation had surrounded the legality of the action as the MDP had insisted that they were acting under the freedoms of assembly granted under the Constitution. However, the governments stated legal position was the exact reverse: any political demonstration at an open public place were specifically prohibited by the Political Party Regulations. Mohamed Nasheed’s attorney Husnu Suoodh, gave his legal opinion on behalf of the MDP prior to the event stating that the MDP’s proposed gathering was legal. Observers were quick to point out the fact that Suoodh backed out from attending the event at the very last moment for ‘personal reasons’.
The freedoms granted under Article 26 of the Constitution specifically states that such freedom of assembly is subject to limitations provided under existing Laws. The MDP, in its own rules voted for by its members in December, vow to abide by the Political Party Regulations.
The debate had proved divisive even within the MDP as some members of the shadow cabinet had withdrawn their support for the event. Some like Mohamed Shihab had privately petitioned members to try and call off the event.
Click to read full story