Police, MNDF heads meet over tomorrow's MDP rally

Senior officials of Police and MNDF have held a meeting today at the MNDF headquarters, Bandaara Koshi, to hold discussions regarding the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) rally planned for tomorrow. 

It has been reported that Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan, and senior officers of MNDF and Police attended this meeting. 

No details regarding this meeting have been disclosed to media as of yet. 

However, senior officials were seen leaving MNDF Headquarters after the meeting. This includes Ministers Ghassan and Ihusan. 

Police issued a statement yesterday where they said that they have received intelligence reports that criminal elements are going to create unrest during MDP rally planned to commence at Artificial Beach at 8:30pm Friday night. Police declared that they would not allow any such activity. 

Police reported receiving intelligence indicating that certain political actors intend to deviate from the rally's pre-approved route, splinter into smaller groups, and mobilize criminal elements to incite unrest in Male' City, potentially leading to property damage. 

Police stated that they will work to ensure security for rallies held in line with the Freedom of Assembly Act and its amendments. 

MDP promptly issued a statement, rejecting Police claims and asserting that the party has no intention to create unrest in the city. MDP reiterated that Friday's rally will be a peaceful gathering. 

The party revealed that they had met with Police on Sunday to share information regarding the planned rally. The approved route for the rally had been informed that day, and the party had brought no changes to this, they said.