Police: MDP protest cannot take to the streets as a rally

Maldives Police Service has said that the MDP protest calling to create an environment to enpower the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Auditor General’s Office scheduled for tomorrow cannot be taken to the streets as a rally.

Regarding the protest tomorrow, Police said that they have met with MDP to discuss the importance of public safety and security when holding a protest.

Police said that if the safety of the people is assured through peaceful protest and continue to abide laws and regulations, they would continue to provide the necessary support for the protest.

And the Police said that they have notified MDP that they cannot allow the protestors to leave the designated area and take to the streets as a rally.

Police said that they cannot allow a rally since a major area of Malé City has been closed for development projects and Friday is a day that a number of children and families go out and based on the vandalism of public and private property and assault on law enforcement officers at previously protest rallies and the information received.

And also if megaphones are being used at the protest, it is advised to halt for prayer times and they would not them to be used past 12 a.m. Police said that they have also notified MDP that they cannot use four-wheel vehicles in the protest.

Police did not allow the MDP protest “Minjuvaan” (To be Free) to be taken to the streets either. And so the protest was held at Artificial Beach similar to the protest scheduled for tomorrow.