Govt. increases locations in Male’ for unpermitted peaceful protests

Home Ministry, on Friday, has increased locations in Maldivian capital Male’ where unpermitted peaceful protests can be held.

Previously, the only designated location for unpermitted peaceful protests under the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act was the Carnival area.

According to an announcement published by the Home Ministry in the government gazette on Friday, additional locations were designated for unpermitted peaceful protests in Male’ in a move aimed at increasing the opportunity for peaceful protests in the Maldivian capital, as only one location has been designated for the purpose at present.

As such, the new locations in Male’ where any form of protest, walk or vehicle rally can be held without a written permit from Maldives Police Service are as follows:

• Rasfannu area
• Reclaimed area in southwest of Male’ (Industrial Zone)
• Usfasgandu area

The move comes amid serial protests from youth demanding justice for the young woman who was found injured on the rooftop of a building in Male’ on April 18^th.  

21-year-old Mariyam Yumnu was found injured on the rooftop of a warehouse in the Henveiru district at around 07:30 am on April 18.

The case of Yumnu, who spent nearly three hours on the rooftop of a warehouse before a neighbor saw her and alerted the authorities, has sparked allegations of a police coverup after it became known that the individuals involved have family links to influential figures.

The youth protests are being held at Majeedhee Magu near Police’s Criminal Investigation Building. Notably, Thursday night’s peaceful protest, escalated when a group of SO police officers used force to break it up, including pepper spray.

The Police also arrested two protestors.