Amendment proposed so police permission compulsory for gatherings

South Mafannu MP Abdulla Rifau has proposed an amendment to law on freedom of assembly, making permission from police compulsory for protests, rallies, and other street events held in Male’.

The amendment says that though it is stated otherwise in the law, no street event can be held in the capital without written permission by police, unless it is held in a location authorized and publicly named by Ministry of Home Affairs.

Ministry of Home Affairs need to publish a list of places it authorizes for gatherings in Government Gazette within 30 days the amendment takes effect.

It will take effect the moment it is ratified by the President and published in Government Gazette.

Article 32 of the Maldivian Constitution reads that every citizen has the freedom of assembly without requiring prior permission from state authorities.

MP Rifau’s amendment will work as an obstacle to the freedom.