Maldives: MDP must refrain from creating hysteria

Chief Government Spokesman: “MDP should refrain from creating hysteria among island communities by spreading misinformation about the incident in Fares-Maathoda”

Male’, Tuesday, January 10, 2006 – The Chief Government Spokesman, Mr. Mohamed Hussain Shareef has called on the opposition MDP to refrain from creating hysteria among island communities by spreading misinformation about the incident that took place last week on the island of South Huvadhu Atoll Fares-Maathoda.

In comments made to the local press today, the Maldives’ Chief Government Spokesman said:

“Spreading lies and misinformation to incite island communities to take violent action is irresponsible, and it certainly is not in keeping with the spirit of democracy. The facts of the Fares-Maathoda incident have been reported accurately both by the state television and radio stations, as well as responsible local daily newspapers.”

“MDP however has continued to inflame the situation and incite anger and hatred towards the police by spreading malicious lies about the incident.”

Speaking on the events that unfolded on Fares-Maathoda, he added:

“Police officials went to Fares-Maathoda to arrest two people who were alleged to have been the masterminds behind the incident on the island earlier in the week, when a Government survey team was held hostage. Some of the lawless elements on the island attacked the police officials and obstructed their duty, in an attempt to stop them from arresting the two people. At that point, backup was summoned, and the crowd was dispersed. A further four arrests had to be made.”

“While the police backup team used stun-guns and pepper spray to disperse the crowd, they did not use any fire arms. Some residents and police officials were injured in the scuffle, and one police official is reported to have sustained serious injuries.”

“Some dissident websites reported that shots were fired at the crowd and that security officials had killed some residents of Fares-Maathoda. Eyewitness evidence made clear that these allegations were absolute lies.”

Mr. Mohamed Hussain Shareef went on to say:

“This attempt by the MDP to create political drama and hysteria on the back of a local incident is a cheap trick, and is a sign of their desperation. We call on MDP to get out of the gutter and to come to the dialogue table.”

“People are moral agents and not a means to an end, however much the MDP may lust for power. It is particularly distasteful that they should use the eve of the Muslim Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha festivals for such rancour.”

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