Umar: Freedom of expression is not only on the streets

Home Minister Umar Naseer has said that the right to freedom of expression and public demonstration does not only give the opportunity to take to the streets.

Minister Umar Naseer said this while responding to a question from Sun Media regarding the HRCM statement of the Police refusing to allow the Worker’s Day protest.

He said that the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) did not say to allow the rally today. And said that the right to freedom of expression has not been violated and the freedom of expression does not mean going out on the street.

“Human Rights (Commission of the Maldives) said to give the constitutional right to freedom of expression. It is not necessarily taking to the streets, no.” The Home Minister said.

HRCM issued a statement this morning saying that Article 31 of the Constitution has granted the freedom to public demonstration against the challenges in employment.

Maldives Police Service refused to allow the rally because it would bring the traffic in the city to a halt affecting a number of people.

Since the Malé City has heavy traffic and closing roads for long periods of time disrupts the transit in the city, Police decided not to give the opportunities for such rallies.

Although the Police said that the rally would not be allowed, the rally has now started with a few people. But the participants of the demonstration have entered the barricaded area near the Maafannu Madharusaa.

The rally voiced the challenges and needs of workers in the demonstration today.