MDP accuses govt of using criminal groups to disrupt rally
Police claimed the party intended to march outside the route authorised for the protest.
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The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday accused the government of paying criminal groups to disrupt its planned ‘Looted, Looted’ rally scheduled for Friday in Malé.
Earlier in the day, the Maldives Police Service issued a statement warning that the MDP’s demonstration could lead to unrest, loss of public order, and property damage. Police also claimed the party intended to march outside the route authorised for the protest.
The MDP condemned the statement, describing it as an attempt to prevent the rally. “The Maldives Police Service has issued a statement based on false allegations to stop the ‘Looted, Looted’ rally scheduled to begin at Artificial Beach on 3 October. We assure you that the event is a peaceful political activity,” the MDP said.
According to the party, it held a meeting with police on Tuesday to confirm the protest arrangements and provided a written submission outlining the roads and routes to be used. The party said it has not altered the agreed route and denied informing police of any changes.
In response to the police claim that criminal groups were planning to disrupt the protest, the MDP alleged that such groups were being supported by the government. “The government of President Mohamed Muizzu is paying criminal groups to disrupt the MDP’s peaceful political movement. We condemn these actions,” the statement read.
The party further alleged that the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) had already informed police of its intention to mobilise criminal groups and accused the authorities of shifting blame onto the opposition.
“The MDP calls on police to stop the activities of groups paid by the Muizzu government, to maintain order in the city, and to ensure the safety of rally participants,” the statement added.
The MDP also urged police not to obstruct the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
The party listed several reasons for the protest, including what it described as the weakening of the economy, limited access to healthcare, political control over parliament and the judiciary, and government dominance of state institutions.
The statement concluded by accusing the police of acting under political orders from the government.
