Police warn protest cannot be held on the streets

Police have warned opposition party – Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) – who are readying for a huge protest on Friday that their “Minjuvaan” protest cannot be held on the streets.

Speaking during a press conference held at Iskandhar Koshi on Thursday, Chief Superintendent of Police Hamdhoon Rasheed said that they told that the protest could only be held up till 12:00 am based on some information they had received, as well as the situation in the country at the moment.

He however did not divulge anything regarding the information they received.

He said that MDP had been informed that the protest could only be held till midnight, and that the protest would be restricted to Artificial Beach.

“They can carry out all the activities they have planned for a peaceful protest within Artificial Beach. But going out into the streets and gathering in different areas is something they cannot do…,” said Hamdhoon.

Hamdhoon said that Article 41 of Act on peaceful protest stated that the rights of others must be maintained.

He said that MDP, during meeting held between the party and police, had provided assurances the protest would be held peacefully, and that they called out for all participants to protest peacefully.

He also said that police appealed to all media stations to convey factual information regarding the protest. And warned that action would be taken against those who did not comply.

Hamdhoon said that Artificial Beach would be closed to public on Friday, and that only participants of the protests could go there.