MDP calls for release of two youths arrested during protest held last night

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of two youths arrested during a protest last night, which called for justice for Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, who fell from a building in Male' earlier last month.

Police said two individuals were arrested during a protest which blocked traffic on Majeedhee Magu near Henveiru Police Station, playing loud music and games such as table tennis and carrom in the street.

Officers dispersed the gathering and arrested Aishath Shiman Ahmed, 19, a former member of The Democrats, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majeed, 28, a former Deputy Minister.

According to police, Mahzoom was arrested for obstructing police duties, disobeying orders, and attempting to assault an officer. Shiman was arrested for disobedience and obstruction of duty, police said.

Shortly after the protest was broken up before midnight, MDP issued a statement condemning the arrests, citing use of excessive force by police, including the use of pepper spray without warning.

The party said the right to peaceful assembly was guaranteed under the constitution and criticized the authorities for what it called a violent response to youth-led demonstrations.

“We call on the government to allow youth to demonstrate and stop using the police to suppress them,” the statement read.

In a statement, police said the protest had caused continuous disruption to traffic and nearby businesses since it began on April 18, and that it had received several complaints from the public, with Majeedhee Magu being one of the busiest roads in the capital.

Police said the decision to disperse the rally was also made in light of O’Level exams beginning today, and that legal warnings had been issued prior to enforcement action.