Police seek prosecution of MDP MP, activists over October protest
In a letter to the PGO, police said the protest was conducted in breach of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act.
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The Maldives Police Service on Thursday submitted a request to the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) seeking prosecution of Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, Hulhumalé North council candidate Fathimath Zahiyya, and several other activists from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Police said the charges relate to an MDP demonstration held on 3 October, during which protesters allegedly attempted to march along Majeedhee Magu instead of the designated Ameenee Magu, in violation of police instructions.
In a letter to the PGO, police said the protest was conducted in breach of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act. Police alleged that participants gathered in several areas of Malé, disrupted public transport and business activities, obstructed police duties, and disobeyed police orders. The alleged offence was listed as obstructing a person in connection with an attempt to disrupt a lawful assembly.
In addition to Mauroof Zakir and Fathimath Zahiyya, police have also sought charges against Abdul Salam of Maafolheyvilla/N. Holhudhoo and Aishath Najda Ali of Disk/HDh. Kulhudhuffushi.
The request for prosecution comes as the MDP has announced another protest scheduled for 21 March. Mauroof Zakir is among the party figures involved in the mobilisation and also serves as the spokesperson for the task force opposing the referendum on merging presidential and parliamentary elections.
The referendum on merging the two elections is scheduled to be held on 4 April, alongside the local council elections.
