Maldives troops blockade parliament as crisis worsens

Maldivian troops blockaded parliament and clashed with opposition leaders for a second day, witnesses said Tuesday, as political turmoil escalated in the troubled honeymoon islands, reports AFP from Male.

The latest turbulence came as the United Kingdom urged its citizens to take caution in the capital Male after soldiers tear gassed protesting politicians there.

Soldiers barred the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) from entering the heavily guarded parliament complex again Tuesday, with witnesses reporting shoving as MPs were forced back from the barricade.

“Even when parliament is not in session, MPs are free to go to the building and attend to their work, but it is not allowed now,” MDP spokesman Hamid Abdul Ghafoor told AFP.

 

Maldives troops blockade parliament as crisis worsens

Maldivian troops blockaded parliament and clashed with opposition leaders for a second day, witnesses said Tuesday, as political turmoil escalated in the troubled honeymoon islands, reports AFP from Male. The latest turbulence came as the United Kingdom urged its citizens to take caution in the capital Male after soldiers tear gassed protesting politicians there. Soldiers barred the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) from entering the heavily guarded parliament complex again Tuesday, with witnesses reporting shoving as MPs were forced back from the barricade. Even when parliament is not in session, MPs are free to go to the building and attend to their work, but it is not allowed now, MDP spokesman Hamid Abdul Ghafoor told AFP.