Police say legal action to follow after clashes at opposition protest
According to police, some protesters attempted to seize police equipment and obstruct officers while others threw stones and bottles.
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Police have alleged that participants in the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protest in Malé on Friday night threw stones and bottles at officers.
The protest began at Artificial Beach at 8:30 p.m., with demonstrators marching towards Majeedhee Magu an hour later. Police blocked the road with officers carrying shields, and pepper spray was fired multiple times to disperse the crowd.
In a statement, police said protesters had been repeatedly warned to remain within the permitted route, which allowed the march to proceed from Artificial Beach to Ameenee Magu only.
According to police, some protesters attempted to seize police equipment and obstruct officers while others threw stones and bottles. The statement added that legal action would be taken against those involved.
Several protesters were arrested during the clashes. Police also fired pepper spray that affected some journalists and cameramen covering the demonstration.
Authorities announced that certain areas of the capital would be closed for operations during the evening. Police had earlier warned that groups were attempting to incite violence at the protest.
