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A Maldivian opposition party on Sunday raised alarm amid the threats of violence carried out by members of the Maldivian government against the opposition members and its supporters.
The opposition members and supporters have been calling for the release of opposition Leader Mohamed Nasheed.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has been staging protests in capital Male for several weeks, calling for the immediate release of Nasheed who was arrested by the police on terrorism charges on Feb. 22.
The protests have been attended by thousands of Maldivians who have threatened to be on the streets till Nasheed's release and the removal of President Abdullah Yameen from office.
The MDP, however, said that it is alarmed by the open threats allegedly made by the country's Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb that "youth supporters" of the government will "come out" if opposition parties continue to protest for the former President's release. "On Saturday afternoon, a motorcycle parade was held in Male, which involved riders holding banners calling for President Nasheed's trial to be expedited. The parade was led by current Minister of Defense Moosa Jaleel and Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adeeb," the MDP said in a statement. "Several government members of Parliament, deputy ministers, coordinators of ministries, board members of state-owned companies and well-known gang members also took part in the motorcycle parade. Tourism Minister Adeeb recently organized a march in Male with dozens of young people belonging to well known gangs," the MDP added.
The opposition further alleged that on Feb. 27, a peaceful demonstration organized by the MDP was disrupted by gang members who attacked demonstrators with knives and wooden planks.
Nasheed was arrested last month on terror charges and since then has been held at a prison on an island.
Several countries have voiced concern at the present political turmoil in the Maldives and have urged all parties to resolve the matter amicably.
