Opposition supporters engaged in a confrontation with officers of the Maldives Police Service in Gaafu Alifu atoll Vilingili ahead of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's campaign visit.
A group of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) supporters assembled at the island's west-end harbor on Thursday, August 10, ahead of President Solih's arrival. Tensions escalated among opposition party supporters, leading to physical altercations between them and law enforcement officers.
Prior to President Solih's arrival, PPM supporters breached the cordon tapes set up by law enforcement authorities. Police responded by pushing the crowd back, and during this confrontation, some supporters had thrown rocks at the officers.
So far police have arrested three individuals in relation to Thursday’s commotion in Viligili. The three were arrested from a parked vehicle near the harbor.
Despite the opposition-led protests, a large crowd of thousands of President Solih's supporters had also gathered at the harbor to welcome him.
During his campaign visit to Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaal atolls, President Solih encountered opposition party-led protests in some locations. In one instance, there was an arson attack on the campaign venue in Gaafu Dhaalu atoll Madaveli.
Sign In