PNF demands release of three members as police arrest protesters and seize pickup

Three people were arrested on Tuesday evening during a series of protests held by members of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s party, PNF.

According to the PNF, a woman, Irushad, and Dr. Abdulla Ibrahim were arrested during the protest held on Tuesday evening.

The party has called for the immediate release of the three PNF members.

Police also seized the pickup truck used by PNF protesters during the rally.

Interesting to note; for cited repeated violations of the Political Parties Act and the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act, the PNF has been fined MVR 100,000 by the Election Commission.

In a letter addressed to PNF President Abdulla Yameen on Monday, the commission said the party had been conducting activities outside the boundaries of laws and regulations. These include obstructing meetings held by other political parties and conducting activities in areas where such meetings were taking place, the commission said.

In addition to the fine, the Election Commission has issued another warning to the PNF, stating that further legal action will be taken against those who repeat illegal acts in their political activities.

The PNF said the commission had taken action against the party over something unrelated to the party itself. The party said the move was influenced by the government and fell outside the standards expected of independent institutions.

The PNF said it does not conduct any political activities other than town hall meetings.