Assistant Commissioner of Police Asim Abdulla has been removed from his post as commander of Malé and stripped of responsibilities linked to the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) planned protest, two sources said.
The sources said Asim was initially tasked with overseeing the capital during the protest but was abruptly transferred. They added the decision was political and believed to have been ordered directly by the president.
Assistant Commissioner Abdulla Shareef has been appointed as the new Malé area commander, the sources said.
Police have not yet made an official announcement on the leadership change.
The MDP protest is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. Friday from the Artificial Beach area. Large crowds are expected as participants from the islands continue to arrive in Malé.
The MDP protest is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. on Friday from Artificial Beach. Large crowds are expected as participants from the islands continue to arrive in Malé.