That was our private phone call: MP Mariya

After Police publicized an alleged recording of a phone call of former President Mohamed Nasheed who is heard stating his wish to deploy people to fight the police, Machchangoalhi-north MP Mariya Ahmed Didi who was on the other end of the line has stressed it was "our private phone call." Speaking on Raajje TV last night Mariya explained that contrary to what the recording might indicate, the conversation was not intended to find and deploy people to fight the Police. She added that as phones are tapped by the security forces such conversations are intentionally shaped to mislead.

Mariya further alleged that the phone call had been publicized at this juncture to conceal the attacks on Police during the Coalition protests, the murder of a police officer by a Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) member and to sustain the current “coup” government.

Speaking to Haveeru today, Mariya stressed that both Nasheed and herself were not violent people and the former President has always adopted a “docile” policy.

“That alleged phone call is between Nasheed and me. Neither Nasheed nor I would ever attack or wish any harm on anyone. Nasheed’s resignation in itself is testament to the fact that he did not wish to harm the mutinous police officers. The whole country would know that we would not cause harm to anyone. Nasheed’s docile policy has been subject to a lot of criticism from many. However, it’s in his nature to be forgiving and peaceful,” Mariya said in a text message in relation to the publicized phone call.

During the three minute conversation, Mariya is heard informing Nasheed that Police were using pepper spray to disperse protesters and that a letter had been delivered asking to vacate the Usfasgandu area by 10.00 that night (May 29). She added that the scheduled MDP National Congress adjacent to the site could not be held due to a lack of quorum. Mariya also detailed that the area can only be vacated when given access by the Police and the refusal to do so was quite amusing. Then Mariya is heard asking Nasheed his opinion on the next course of action.

“What more can be done? I honestly don’t know what option remains in the matter?” Nasheed is heard saying.

Next Nasheed says “I think if we can find the people, to bring them out to fight.” In response Mariya questions “between both parties?”

“If we can find such people I feel we should deploy people to fight. To find a group from Male who are willing to fight and bring them out to fight the police” the former President says.

Mariya is heard laughing in response to Nasheed’s opinion.

“That is what I think. I don’t know if we can find people to fight. I want to fight them tonight.”

The phone is ended after Nasheed requests Mariya to keep him in the loop.

Superintendent of Police Mohamed Riyaz expressed belief that Nasheed can be charged under Article 12 and 13 of the Penal Code and his calls to attack police personnel can be constituted as a criminal offence.
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