Police entered the residence of former President Abdulla Yameen on Thursday under court orders to remove the “India Out” banners hung on the building.
The banners are in support of the opposition coalition’s ongoing campaign calling for the Indian military personnel in Maldives to leave. Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) had conducted multiple rallies previously in Male’ and other islands, in support of this cause.
Police entered Yameen’s residence with a court order. They had obtained court orders to remove the India Out banners on other buildings and houses in Male’ as well.
However, prior to entering the residence, Police had ordered them to take off the banner.
In order issued by Criminal Court, they state that the banners appear to be an act that may adversely affect Maldivians in neighbouring countries, in addition to affect the nation’s foreign and cultural relations with them as well.
The order states that Maldives is responsible to ensure the safety and well-being of foreign diplomats the country hosts, and the “India Out” banners may affect them, and may lead to direct and in-direct repercussions to Maldives and its citizens.
Police had informed them via written documents that they had the power to remove the banners under the Police Service Act in order to “protect public interest, to provide the people with the necessary measures to protect public interest, and to create an environment that is safe from domestic threats, and to identify and prevent any violations to the safety of the community.”
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