Police defended using pepper spray on former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's supporters gathered at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) on Wednesday.
The former President was brought to IGMH for medical purposes, soon after which his supporters gathered.
According to the statement released by Police, those gathered had attempted to enter the Cardiology Centre in the hospital. They noted that the crowd had ignored several warnings and a large number of people remained in the hospital.
Referring to the Right to Protest in the constitution, Police highlighted that it is prohibited to gather at and make noise in hospitals.
As per Police, pepper spray was used to disperse the crowds when they started causing mayhem and attempted to forcefully enter the Cardiology Center, despite warnings.
Although the minimum amount of pepper spray was used, the incident will be investigated by the 'Use of Force Review' committee within the police.
Opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) condemned the usage of pepper spray to break up the crowds.
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