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Carnival grounds allocated for gatherings and protests

Ministry of Home Affairs has announced gatherings and protests in Male' City can only be held in the carnival grounds.

In a statement, the home ministry said the designated area permitted to hold gatherings and protests within the legal limits without a prior permit would be the carnival grounds. However, the ministry revealed organisers would require a written document from the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to hold peaceful gatherings and protests in other areas of the capital city. The decision comes at a time several protests have been held on topics such as violence against women and children and the freedom of media.

A law was implemented during the administration of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom requiring a permit from the MPS to hold peaceful gatherings and protests in Male' City. The current administration while working as an opposition movement spoke against the law implemented by the previous administration and pledged to abolish it once in power. However, no attempts have been made so far to abolish the law that restricts the freedom of assembly.