Police block MDP anniversary rally

Police, on Monday night, blocked the rally held by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to celebrate their 11-year anniversary from.

Police placed barricades in front of the building which used to house Ooredoo headquarters in Majeedhee Magu, and prevented participants from rallying into the streets.

The rally started at around 9:15 pm from in front of MDP station near Artificial Beach.

The participants then held a peaceful demonstration during which they criticized the current government.

The rally was led by Leader of MDP Parliamentary Group, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) and other MDP lawmakers.

Police had ordered not to hold the rally, banning all political activities from the streets of Male’ to prevent congestion.

MDP called the order “unlawful”, and announced their intention of going ahead with the rally, regardless.

Deputy Leader of MDP, Mohamed Shifaz was brought in by police on his way to the rally for questioning.