Some MPs have committed assault and disrupted peace in the Parliament chamber after the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats decided not to approve some ministers in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet.
Videos circulating on social media showed a fight between MDP MP Ahmed Easa and PNC MP Abdulla Shaheem. One video shows Shaheem tackling Easa to the ground by holding onto his leg while another video shows Easa stepping on Shaheem's neck and pulling his hair.
In another video, Shaheem approaches Speaker Mohamed Aslam and attempts to push him out of the chair while other MPs try to take Shaheem away from the Speaker's chair. Another video shows Shaheem bleeding near his ear.
One MP has been transferred to a hospital in an ambulance. Adhadhu understands that Shaheem was transferred for treatment for his injuries.
A decision on approving ministers is the Parliament's responsibility and voting on the appointees was scheduled for 1:30 pm.
But MPs from the Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) obstructed the sitting as a protest began outside in defense of the ministers.
The Democrats decided to vote against approving Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Housing Minister Dr. Ali Haidar and Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. MDP decided to approve Zameer but to reject Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed.
