MDP election protests were beyond freedoms of expression and assembly, says HRCM

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has stated that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had acted beyond the boundaries of the freedoms of expression and assembly in their protests against further postponement of the presidential election on Saturday.

In a statement released today, the country’s chief human rights body stated that the party’s protests on 19 October caused difficulties for the everyday lives of the citizens. The commission also stated that the party had violated the Act on Right to Assembly.

The commission noted that MDP supporters on Saturday restricted the movements of the public in the capital Male’, Hulhumale’ and Addu City, called for violence, threw stones and used loud speakers with no consideration to the students studying for exams.

HRCM condemned the actions of those who had violated the law and called on all parties to refrain from such actions.

The commission also expressed concern over the disruption of public services provided by the Male’ City Council and called on all parties to exercise patience and prioritize national interests, especially in light of the disconcerting atmosphere in the country following the postponement of the presidential election.