The Maldives Police Service has said that it will not allow any gathering that go against the Constitution, the law, or the public interest.
In a statement, the Maldives Police Service said it was receiving multiple complaints regarding the youth-led protests being held on Majeedhee Magu in Male’ City. The demonstrations are reportedly causing inconveniences to the public due disruptions to public transport system, pedestrian movement, emergency services, local businesses and students preparing for their GCE O’Level examination.
The police have urged those organising rallies, marches, and demonstrations under the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act to ensure public safety. The police also emphasised that the right to assemble must be exercised in a way that does not infringe on the rights and freedoms of others, including the right to road use, traffic and other related rights.
The police said they would not allow rallies that violate the basic rights of the public, and warned that the police will use legal force to disperse such rallies. Legal action will also be pursued against the organisers of such rallies, and the police will take all necessary measures to protect the interests of the people.
Despite this, the police that they would provide appropriate security arrangements for lawful and peaceful demonstrations in accordance with the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act, including managing road use and ensuring ensuring security in areas where demonstrations take place.
The current series of protests, led by young people, is in response to the investigation into the case of a girl who was found fallen from a Male’ City building on 18 April.