MDP denies police claims about their rally

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has denied police allegations that it plans to involve criminal groups in its rally on Friday night in Male'.

Police had issued a statement saying they would not allow the rally to proceed outside the authorized route.

They added that information suggested some groups intended to deviate from the approved route, split into factions, and involve criminal elements to disturb public order and damage property.

MDP in its statement called the police claims “false allegations” and reaffirming that the rally is a peaceful political movement. The party said it had met with police on Sunday to provide details of the rally routes in writing and that no changes had been made to the approved route.

The party also accused government affiliates of planning to disrupt public order in Male' and damage property. It called on authorities to ensure the safety of rally participants and to respect the constitutional right to freedom of peaceful assembly.

MDP has been permitted to hold the demonstration along six major streets in Male', including Boduthakurufaanu Magu.

In their statement, police said that the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act and its amendments govern peaceful gatherings, and that they prioritize the security of participants as well as public safety along authorized routes.

“We will not allow anyone to disrupt or damage property in Male',” the statement said.