Police to investigate calls for violence during protest

The Serious and Organised Crime Department of Maldives Police Service has initiated an investigation following remarks by a demonstrator that encouraged violence, at a recent protest in Malé.

In a statement, police referred to a protest held by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Jumhooree Party (JP) at the intersection of Fareedhee Magu and Chaandhanee Magu on the night of 17 February 2015, and said that during this gathering, a protester made remarks that encouraged terrorism and violated the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act.

Police noted that according to Article 4 (c) of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act, for an assembly to be considered peaceful, organisers should inform that the assembly is formed for the purpose of fulfilling a peaceful objective, and there should be no violent acts or incitement of violent activity through words, written material, drawings, or actions during the assembly.

Police have urged organisers to ensure that protesters keep their actions within the boundaries of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act, and reminded that criminal action will be taken against those who violate the law.

Yesterday, ruling party Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) issued a press release urging the Elections Commission, the Prosecutor General, and the police to investigate a threat of a suicide attack against President Abdulla Yameen.

PPM said that the purpose of the joint MDP-JP demonstrations is to obstruct projects inaugurated by President Yameen to ensure peace and harmony; and to disrupt the social, political, and economic stability in the country.