Police and military chiefs meet ahead of MDP rally

Officials from the Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) convened at the army headquarters, Bandaara Barracks, on Thursday.

The meeting occurred as the main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), prepares for a significant rally scheduled for Friday evening in Male’ city.

Neither the army nor the police have released any details regarding the meeting, which saw the attendance of Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan and Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. Photographs circulated after the meeting depict Ministers Ghassan and Ihusaan departing the barracks.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the police announced that they had received intelligence indicating the MDP's alleged plans to involve criminal groups in disrupting the city and damaging properties during its rally. The police affirmed their commitment to preventing any disturbances in Male’ city, while also stating that necessary security arrangements would be made for peaceful activities.

The MDP has denied these allegations, countering that the government is orchestrating groups to incite riots. The party stated that it had met with police on Sunday to provide information about the rally, including written details of the planned roads and routes. The MDP confirmed that no changes have been made to the route and has instructed its members not to engage in any activities outside the police-approved path.

Furthermore, the MDP has called upon the police to intervene against any groups actively working against the rally and to ensure the safety of participants. The party also accused the police of attempting to infringe upon the constitutional right to freedom of peaceful assembly, allegedly at the President's behest.