problems in the Maldives

[the_future_modernes]

Maldives police break up opposition protest

Dozens reportedly injured as police violently disperse activists staging protest over worsening economy

Police in Maldives have used tear gas and batons to break up an anti-government protest in the island country's capital Male, reportedly injuring dozens of activists.

About 400 supporters of the former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom gathered in Male on Saturday night, demanding the resignation of incumbent President Mohamed Nasheed over Maldive's recent currency depreciation and worsening economy, Nasheed's office said Sunday.

The demonstration began peacefully but turned into a riot when demonstrators began trashing the streets, the Maldives police said.

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Protesters gave a different account, saying about 5,000 people attended the demonstration and that dozens were "crushed brutally", DRP spokesman Mohammed Shareef told the Associated Press news agency by phone.

Nasheed was elected president in the country's first multi-party election in 2008, ending Gayoom's 30-years of one-party rule, but the country has recently struggled with soaring food prices and unemployment.

Gayoom leads the DRP, which accuses the Nasheed administration of wasteful spending and financial mismanagement.

The Maldivian currency has recently depreciated after the rufiyaa's peg to the dollar became unstable, affecting food and import costs.MORE