The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has expressed concern over the involvement of an underage child in an opposition protest.
In a statement, HRCM said the opposition coalition of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the Peoples' National Congress (PNC) has violated freedom of assembly and freedom of expression in the protests held in Male' City and the atolls. HRCM said it is closely monitoring the activities of the opposition protests being held from December 25, 2022, onwards. As such, the commission monitored 49 protests held across the country.
HRCM revealed it has noticed violations of freedom of assembly and freedom of expression by the protesters during its monitoring of the activities. HRCM said protestors have been blocking traffic and using rude language and slogans in a manner that violates traffic rules and disturbs the public. HRCM also noted such actions were obstructive to the work of the Maldives Police Service and a child under the age of 18 was among the protesters.
Furthermore, HRCM has also noticed that the public has violated the protestors by throwing water and trying to break the gathering by riding motorcycles directly at the protest. HRCM also said police used force to disperse the demonstration and pepper spray was used without prior warning in some cases. HRCM expressed it is investigating these findings and the cases submitted. HRCM statement said while the Constitution of Maldives gives the right to freedom of assembly to the people it is important to respect the rights and not infringe on the rights of others in the exercise of that right.
The commission also urged journalists and reporters to maintain ethical standards in observing protests and be responsible in delivering information to the public. HRCM also urged the police to keep their actions within the law and order in dispersing the demonstration. HRCM advised the demonstrators, security forces, and the public to refrain from actions prohibited by the constitution.