Freedom of assembly will be given to the greatest extent allowed by law: PNC

People's National Congress (PNC) Spokesperson for the Parliamentary Elections 2024 has stated today that freedom of assembly and freedom of expression will be allowed to the greatest possible extent within the confines of the laws.

In a press conference held at the party's offices on Thursday, a journalist posed a question regarding the 'India Out' resolution.

They asked if President Dr Mohamed Muizzu intends to revoke the resolution to ban the 'India Out' activities passed by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Heena did not directly respond to this query.

Instead, Heena stated that President Dr Muizzu has allowed the opportunity to exercise freedom of expression. And as such, Heena said, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression will be allowed to the greatest possible extent within the confines of the laws.

"The President wishes for all parties to conduct political activity. That opportunity is now there. There is no legal obstruction, or any kind of obstruction, to freedom of expression and assembly," Heena asserted.

Heena said that as these are rights guaranteed under the Constitution, they will be viable options in relation to any issue.

She went on to say that the parliament majority is currently held by the opposition and that in the meantime, the President will continue to do what he has to do.

Heena stated that during the former administration, when PNC and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had been working as the opposition, then-government had obstructed their political activities.

As examples, she noted that the PPM Office area had been closed off, candidates refused the opportunity to campaign for council elections, and having the Police target attacks on women and elderly during protests.

She alleged that undue force had been used against their party members and supporters in those days, and claimed that the past five years are when the freedom of expression was most restricted.

Heena stated that after taking oath of office, then President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had summoned former President, Opposition Leader Abdulla Yameen to Police. She said Yameen had, since then, been summoned to Police arbitrarily on multiple occasions before he was finally arrested at a time when the previous Parliamentary Elections were very near.

She reiterated that on the contrary, the current administration would continue to always allow space for political activity from all persons.

"This government will not intimidate politicians and arrest them. They, too, will have the right to engage in political activity freely," Heena stated.

PNC has decided to submit a complaint to the Elections Commission (EC) alleging that opposition is spreading misinformation and engaging in anti-campaigning for the upcoming Parliamentary Election scheduled to be held on April 21.

While Heena asserts that freedom of assembly and expression will be guaranteed to the furthest extent allowed by law, the government has recently faced harsh criticism after Police intervened and brought to a halt a meeting of Yameen-led People's National Front (PNF) last Tuesday.