Police warn against protests outside designated areas

The Maldives Police Service on Thursday warned that protests held outside designated assembly areas without permission would not be allowed and that legal action would be taken against organisers and participants.

The statement follows ongoing protests in Malé calling for the release of two journalists from Adhadhu who were arrested last Tuesday on contempt of court charges.

In a statement released on Thursday night, police said the demonstrations had caused road closures and disrupted transport services, pedestrian movement and traffic flow in the capital.

Police also stated that businesses in the affected areas had been impacted.

According to the statement, the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act requires organisers of gatherings to respect public safety, the transport system and the rights of other citizens.

Police said that while the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, individuals must exercise that right without infringing on the rights of others.

Citing provisions of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act, police stated that gatherings or marches held in Malé without prior written permission could only take place in areas designated by the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology.

“We wish to inform the public that gatherings held outside designated areas that infringe upon the rights of the general public will not be allowed,” the statement said.

Police added that necessary measures would be taken to disperse gatherings considered unlawful and that legal action would be initiated against organisers.

“The Maldives Police Service will take all necessary measures to disperse illegal gatherings, initiate legal action against those organising such events, and ensure the protection of public interest,” the statement added.

The institution also stated that it would continue to protect rights guaranteed under the Constitution and laws within the legal framework.

Police further said they would provide security, traffic management and other support for gatherings conducted in accordance with the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act.

The areas designated for assembly without prior permission are: