Muizzu vows to repeal Yameen-era law restricting assemblies in Male
Muizzu said he would allow protesters calling for the release of President Yameen and that there would be full freedom of assembly.
President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on Thursday that he will try to remove the law passed during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's administration to curb the right to assemble.
The Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act was amended on 23 August 2016 to prohibit rallies everywhere in Male except the carnival area.
In an exclusive interview with Atoll Times' sister publication Dhauru after winning the presidential election on Saturday, Muizzu said he would allow protesters calling for the release of President Yameen and that there would be full freedom of assembly and expression under his rule.
"I want peace to come to Male and to Maldives. And of course, I will not obstruct expression of opinion and gathering," Muizzu said.
"I have promised during the campaign, gathering in the city is legal only in the Carnival area. We will change that and make it possible for people to gather at all places except green zones, mosques and such places, all through Parliament."
Repealing the amendment to the law that restricts freedom of assembly in the Yameen government is also a presidential promise of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who was elected in 2018 on behalf of the MDP. However, the amendment to repeal the provision is still parked in the MDP-controlled parliament.
The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has recently expressed concern over the pending repeal of the article and called for its expeditious repeal.
