K. Male'
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22 Aug 2017 | Tue 11:08
Tuesday's Parliament session concluded minutes after commencing
Tuesday's Parliament session concluded minutes after commencing
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Parliament Sittings
Today's Parliament sitting unlawful: Opposition
Tuesday's Parliament session concluded minutes after commencing
Security officers surrounded the Speaker's table as he proceeded with the session despite the protests inside the Parliament chambers
Opposition MP Mariya said that conducting sessions while MPs are protesting "does not show good intention"

Opposition parliamentarians have said that Tuesday's parliament sitting "was unlawful".

Tuesday's parliament session concluded minutes after commencing, with security officers surrounding Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed. While opposition members continued to protest, Maseeh opted to go ahead with day's agenda, ending the sitting after scheduling a session for Wednesday.

Speaking to RaajjeMV following today's session, Mahchangoalhi-North constituency MP Mariya Ahmed Didi noted that while the Speaker opted to remain in his position despite the motions submitted against him, that the parliamentarians "no longer accept him as Speaker."

Mariya added that the ruling coalition is using 'force' to do whatever they want "because of the government's lack of support".

She also noted that none of those inside the Parliament chambers had heard anything the Speaker said today, and that conducting sessions while MPs are protesting "does not show good intention".

In addition to MP Mariya, MPs for Mathiveri and Addu-Meedhoo constituencies, Hussain Mohamed and Rozaina Adam also noted that Tuesday's sitting was unconstitutional.

MP Rozaina emphasized that "any session where Maseeh is presiding is unlawful", adding that the decisions made at these sessions will also be unlawful.

She said the opposition will send a letter to the Parliament administration soon, noting these issues.

The parliament has been on break since July 31, following a minor fire in the building.

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