Police warn protest will be dismantled if any unlawful conduct occurs

Maldives Police Service, on Friday, urged organizers of an opposition rally scheduled to take place in Malé tonight to ensure that the rally complies with boundaries outlined by the law.

In a statement regarding the protest planned at Artificial Beach against awarding Rasmalé project to Eagle Hills, the Police noted that the organizers had not yet provided information on participant safety, public transport arrangements, or potential disruptions to pedestrian movement.

Consequently, the Police urged participants not to gather outside areas designated for assemblies and to ensure that the protest does not cause public inconvenience. The statement further warned that any unlawful activities would be stopped immediately and legal action taken against those responsible.

The protest follows a resolution passed by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Council, with 57 of its 58 members voting in favor, calling for a public referendum on the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project in Rasmalé. The party decided to initiate direct action if the government fails to hold the referendum.

The MDP resolution alleges that the government is bypassing legal procedures to grant 500 hectares of reclaimed land in Rasmalé to Eagle Hills on a long-term lease without any upfront fee. Former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail claimed that the commercial terms of the agreement had not been disclosed to Parliament, the media, or the general public.

Additionally, speaking at a press conference held by the opposition-led ‘Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah’ (Maldivian Land for Maldivians) movement, former Home Minister Imran Abdulla argued that the project could facilitate the permanent settlement of non-Muslims in the Maldives. He insisted that it should not proceed without a public referendum.

Responding to these allegations, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that a referendum on the Eagle Hills project in Rasmalé would not be held. The President assured that the project would be implemented within the Maldives' legal framework, with Islamic principles, national sovereignty, and independence protected. He dismissed claims of foreign land ownership and threats to religion as baseless.

Highlighting that Maldivian law prohibits foreigners from owning land, the President explained that the land is being leased for 99 years, after which the properties must be sold back to the Maldivian state. He further noted that the properties cannot be sold to third parties without the government's knowledge and that Israeli citizens would be legally prohibited from acquiring or obtaining any property within the development.

Regarding the economic benefits, President Muizzu stated that the state would receive 5,000 housing units valued at USD 500 million as an advance commitment, in addition to approximately 10 percent of the project's revenue, estimated at USD 3.1 billion.

The government announced that Eagle Hills would construct 5,000 three-bedroom housing units in Hulhumalé specifically for Maldivian families under a contractor-financing model. Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib clarified that the state was not relying on an upfront payment, but rather on revenue from TGST, income shares, and property transactions.

Attorney General Ahmed Usham also affirmed that the government would not engage in any unlawful acts during the implementation of the project.

The Rasmalé project, located at Fushidhiggaru Falhu near Malé, is the largest land reclamation project ever undertaken in the Maldives. President Muizzu officially inaugurated the reclamation work on December 18, 2023. Planned as a sustainable smart city, the Rasmalé master plan includes 65,000 housing units across various categories.

The agreement between the Maldivian government and Abu Dhabi-based company Eagle Hills to develop the USD 20 billion waterfront and marina project was signed on September 21. Attorney General Usham noted that, under Section 8 of the Tourism Act, when a 99-year lease expires, the government is required to compensate the investor for the investment