Fmr. President Gayoom summoned to Police

Police after the lapse of the thirty minute period given to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to present himself to Police headquarters for questioning over his refusal to attend the Presidential Commission, formed to probe alleged embezzlements of state funds and resources noted in the reports of the Auditor General and reports submitted by the public, arrived at the former president’s private residence and has escorted him to police headquarters around 2030 hours.

When the Police summon was taken to Maafannu Alivaage , the private residence of former President Gayoom , yesterday , the Police summon was accepted by Gayoom on condition that his lawyers , along with necessary power of attorney , attend police inquiry instead of him. However, when his lawyers arrived at Police headquarters at six this evening, Police informed that Gayoom’s presence was essential to proceed with the inquiry and gave ultimatum to Gayoom, either to honor their summons or face arrest.

At the end of the thirty minute period, Police took the special car designated to the former President by the government along with his body guards , escorted him out of his residence and took him away for questioning.

The former President, who ruled the country for 30 years, was accompanied by his two sons Farish Maumoon and Gassan Maumoon. Former Attorney General Azima Shukoor and lawyer Maumoon Hameed also accompanied the President.

On arrival at the Police headquarters, the former president Gayoom and his defense team was met by Deputy Police Commissioner Mohamed Fayaz.

Prior to Gayoom being taken to Police headquarters under the full protection of the police, confrontations occurred between riot police and Gayoom’s supporters who had gathered in front of Alivaage to prevent Gayoom being taken to Police. Riot police, initially failed to control and clear the crowd, who were calling on for the resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed. Confrontations went on and Police warned that they would not be responsible if matters got any worse.

A single police officer, Superintendent of Police Areef was permitted to enter Alivaage as announced by the loudspeaker placed on the wall of Alivaage. Announcements were given by former Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) who asked the supporters to allow Superintendent Areef to enter Alivaage not to obstruct him.

Speaking on TVM later, Superintendent Areef said after he entered Alivaage, he was mercilessly beaten by senior DRP members and activists present inside the house. He said he entered the house after with necessary permission from Alivaage and at the request of senior DRP officials to arrange for security of Gayoom.

After confrontations got worse, Police used tear gas to clear the crowd. According to reports several female supporters of the former President fainted and several police officers were injured.

Police had cordoned off the entire block surrounding police headquarters. A riot police contingent stood on guard at the adjacent Republican Square. Large crowds had gathered at the Republican Square. According to reports of them were from the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The former President, after approximately an hour and half came out from Police Headquarters. He spoke to the media but declined to comment on his exchange with the Police.