Maldives Security Forces Must Stop Using Violence Against Supporters of Mohamed Nasheed, says Amnesty International | Amnesty International USA

10.2.12

Maldives Security Forces Must Stop Using Violence Against Supporters of Mohamed Nasheed, says Amnesty International | Amnesty International USA: Contact: Gwen Fitzgerald, gfitzgerald@aiusa.org, 202-509-8194

(Washington, D.C.) -- Maldives security forces must stop using violence against supporters of Mohamed Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party, a day after he was forced to resign the presidency under the threat of violence by the military and police, Amnesty International said.

Eyewitnesses told Amnesty International that Nasheed and a large number of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members were marching peacefully through the streets of the capital Mal�when police attacked them first and then failed to protect them from a violent counter demonstration.

Some of the MDP demonstrators were cordoned off by the police in a narrow alley where a mob shouting anti-MDP slogans began to beat them. One eyewitness saw Nasheed’s face covered in blood. He was then seen to be rushed away. Later a video emerged on the internet showing the police arresting him.

Police also beat some 40 demonstrators with batons. Some sustained serious injuries. There are reports that at least one demonstrator may have died as a result of the beating.