By our correspondent in Male’
Dictator Gayoom was greeted by an angry mob on Wednesday night in Male’ as he arrived from the south of Maldives after visiting Addu and Fuvahmulah. The mob chased his car shortly after his arrival at the jetty near Republican Square. The motorcade was blockaded by angry protestors who hurled obscenities and called for the resignation of the ruthless tyrant who has been ruling the country with an iron fist since 1978.
The car was forced to flee through nearby narrow lanes with protestors chasing it. As the Presidential Palace is located nearby, Gayoom was able to sneak into his multi-million dollar palace, but not before the mob made their emotions known on the street near the palace. Then the elite Star Force and other security units moved in and dispersed the crowd. A few arrests have been made.
Tension remains high in Addu where defiance to the dictator was displayed by throwing rocks and burning tyres on streets. Problems arose when supporters of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) were prevented from visiting Gan airport where they planned to publicly call for the resignation of Gayoom as he arrived in Addu. Banners with anti-Gayoom slogans were confiscated by police as well. Some protestors were arrested.
A gathering held in Male’ on February 5th to show solidarity with people arrested in Addu ended with police spraying pepper gas and manhandling members of parliament as well as senior MDP politicians.
The dictator has never received such a direct expression of hatred by the public as Wednesday’s showdown in Male’.
where’s the pictures of a dictator chased down Male’ streets by angry mob? nice reporting. a typical rebellious propaganda this is. so undemocratic that i’m sure this comment will never be shown for the sake of “your motives” i just love these people.
Comment by maumoona — 10 February 2007 @ 4:20 am
Here’s a video clip of the actual action: the dictator is being chased down in Male’ streets. http://dhivehiobserver.tv/Videos/Golhaa_Addu_Return_Feb2007.htm
Few people who are benefiting from the dictator’s blood money will always try to defend him. Maumoona is not an exception.
Comment by Fisherman Raqeeb — 26 February 2007 @ 7:14 pm