Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated creating unrest in places such as hospitals and schools where public services are provided cannot be defined as carrying out political activities. The statement comes in the wake of masses of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's supporters gathering in and around Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), when he was briefly taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Police had to disperse the crowds and push them back, out of the area around the hospital to ensure that provision of services to the patients were not disrupted. After pushing the crowds away from the area, police used pepper spray to disperse the crowds. This in turn has resulted in harsh criticism towards the police.
Addressing the issue, Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla tweeted, schools and hospitals are areas where the safety and wellbeing of the public remains the utmost priority. He also assured that if anything wayward is noticed on the part of the law enforcement authorities, it shall be addressed.