MDP Protest updates: Protest ends with a special prayer

00:10 - Protest ends, with Adhaalath Party President Sheikh Imran Abdulla leading a prayer.

23:29 - Former President Solih is addressing Police officers. Police, however, continue to use LRAD alarm to disperse the crowd. 

23:28 - Protesters are now seated on the ground across Majeedhee Magu. This includes former President Solih and several members of MDP's leadership. 

23:18 - Arrested protesters include former parliamentarians. 

23:09 - Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is also at the protest. Also present are MDP President Abdulla Shahid, MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and other leadership figures. 

22:55 - Seven protesters have now been arrested, Police confirmed. 

22:45 - 

22:41 - With protesters persisting on attempting to march down Majeedhee Magu, Police have once again used pepper spray against the crowd. 

22:35 - In a statement, Police said that they had repeatedly warned and directed MDP not to proceed with a march along Majeedhee Magu, which deviated from the approved route. However, MDP refused to comply, and instead threw projectiles such as water bottles and rocks at police, and attempted to take away Police equipment, the statement reads. They stated that legal action will be taken against those who committed these acts. Police called on protesters to refrain from obstructing police duties.  

22:25 - 

22:21 - Police said that in discussions between Police and MDP ahead of the protests, the party had at no time requested permission to march down Majeedhee Magu.

"We showed them which streets the protest can be held on," a senior Police official stated. 

22:19 - Protesters remain in the Artificial Beach area. MDP leaders are now addressing the crowd. 

22:12 - Police have arrested a protester

22:05 - MDP alleges police brutality and use of excessive force. 

22:01 - Responding to footage of a protester taking away a Police riot shield, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan said on X that the protest can no longer be considered a peaceful political activity.

21:59 - 

21:54 - Police continue to intermittently use pepper spray to disperse the crowd. 

21:53 - Police have stated that Majeedhee Magu is not within the authorized route for the MDP protest. They stated that the approved route includes Boduthakurufaanu Magu and Ameenee Magu. Police said that MDP has now acted in violation of this through attempting to march down Majeedhee Magu. 

21:39 - Protesters are now in front of Jelly Pizza on Majeedhee Magu, Henveiru. Police have cordoned off the street, blocking the protest from proceeding further down Majeedhee Magu. 

21:32 - Police have used pepper spray to disperse the crowds.

21:30 - Although protesters attempted to walk down Majeedhee Magu, they were unable to do so as police have cordoned off the street. Protesters are facing off against Police. 

21:27 - Former MDP Vice President Shifaz calls on rally participants to go out on the streets. Protesters leave Artificial Beach and head towards Majeedhee Magu.

21:16 - MDP's leadership and MPs deliver speeches. 

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's "Lootuvaifi" [Looted] rally has begun at Artificial Beach, with crowds of supporters in attendance. 

Supporters continue to gather at the venue, waving MDP flags and national flags. It has been reported that people from across the atolls have been arriving in Male' since yesterday to join tonight's rally. 

In response to tonight's rally, Police and MNDF have launched a special operation. Police are seen patrolling all areas of the city. 

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, MDP President Abdulla Shahid and MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail are joining tonight's rally.