The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, condemned an opposition protest on Friday night, declaring it was not a peaceful demonstration after clashes erupted between participants and police in the capital.
The confrontation began when demonstrators from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) deviated from a pre-approved route, according to officials. That decision set off a series of confrontations and accusations of violence and obstruction of law enforcement duties.
In a social media post, Minister Ihusaan said the protest could not be considered legitimate political conduct. “Forcibly taking equipment from an on-duty police officer is not considered a peaceful political activity, as it involves coercive or violent actions that disrupt law enforcement duties,” he wrote. He added that seizing items from officers on duty amounted to a direct obstruction of law enforcement agencies.
The protest began at 8:30 p.m. in the Artificial Beach area of Malé. It escalated when participants moved onto Majeedhee Magu, a major thoroughfare, in violation of an earlier agreement with police, authorities said. Police reported that they had issued repeated warnings and advised demonstrators not to proceed along the unauthorised route. Officials said the protestors did not comply.
In a statement, the Maldives Police Service said demonstrators confronted officers, threw stones and water bottles, and attempted to seize police equipment. The police described these actions as a direct obstruction of their ability to perform official duties.
“During the gathering held tonight in Malé by the Maldivian Democratic Party, participants were repeatedly instructed not to proceed along Majeedhee Magu, as it constituted a deviation from the authorised route,” the police said.
“The participants, however, did not comply. They threw stones and bottles at the police, attempted to seize police equipment, and obstructed officers from performing their duties. Legal action will be taken against those responsible for these acts, and we urge all parties not to obstruct the police in carrying out their responsibilities.”
Authorities confirmed that legal proceedings will be initiated against individuals identified as responsible for the unrest.