MDP: At least 13 protestors detained, denied legal representation

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) says that reports suggest at least 13 protestors were taken to police custody from Friday’s ‘Lootuvaifi’ rally, but the police were refusing to disclose their identities or whereabouts and were denying their right to legal representation.

The ‘Lootuvaifi’ anti-corruption rally kicked off with hundreds of protestors at 09:00 pm Friday from the Artificial Beach in the Henveiru district of Male’. But as the protestors attempted to march along the Majeedhee Magu, the police accused them of diverting from the pre-approved route and blocked their path. Clashes ensued as protestors attempted to force their way through, with the police using pepper spray and Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) or sound cannons to control the crowd. Multiple protestors were taken into custody, while one suffered a heart attack after reportedly getting pepper-sprayed at close range.

In a statement on Saturday morning, the MDP said it strongly condemns “the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters” and “the indiscriminate arrests” by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.

The MDP said the police have not verified the details of the arrests, and have not provided the detained protestors with access to legal representation.

According to MDP, those taken into custody include two former parliamentarians.

“Although 13 have been reported to be arrested, the Police has not verified the details of the arrests. Those arrested include two former Members of Parliament and the sitting President of Maafushi Council. Those under police detention have not yet had any access to lawyers,” reads the statement.

The party expressed concern over the condition of Mohamed Raslaan, the party’s vice president of Central Hulhumale’ constituency, who is being treated at the Intensive Care Unit of the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) after suffering a heart attack during the rally.

MDP said the heart attack resulted from being exposed to pepper spray at close range and being subjected to LRADs.

“In one shocking incident, MDP Constituency Vice President Mohamed Raslaan suffered a heart attack after being exposed to pepper spray at close range and subjected to Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs),” reads the statement.

The MDP said that the use of LRADs is unprecedented in the Maldives, and poses serious risks of permanent hearing damage, dizziness, nausea, and other severe health impacts.

The party said Friday’s events highlight “the rapid erosion of democracy in the Maldives.”

“Under President Muizzu, the government has increasingly resorted to authoritarian tactics—undermining judicial independence, silencing the media, and now deploying dangerous weapons against citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” said the MDP, adding that the crackdown also comes at a time when Maldivians are already grappling with a deepening economic crisis, rising debt, and growing discontent with the government.

The MDP demanded the immediate release of all protestors and accountability for the alleged use of excessive force by the police.

“We urge the international community to act swiftly and pressure the Muizzu administration to end this brutality and uphold the democratic rights and freedoms of the Maldivian people,” added the party.