MDP protest is not peaceful political activity: Minister Ihusan

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has stated that opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s ongoing protest cannot be regarded as peaceful political activity. 

The protest began at Artificial Beach at 8:30pm tonight. Soon after, protesters came out on the streets and attempted to march down Majeedhee Magu. However, Police cordoned off the street in front of Jelly Pizza on Majeedhee Magu in Henveiru, and prevented the crowd from moving forward. 

Police are cordoning off the street, with their ranks standing with riot shields. Police also are using pepper spray to disperse the crowd. Seven protesters have been arrested as of now. 

While Police and protesters were facing off, Homeland Security Minister Ihusan shared a post on X declaring that MDP's protest can no longer be considered a peaceful political activity. 

"Forcibly taking equipment from an on-duty police officer is not considered a peaceful political activity, as it involves coercive or violent actions that disrupt law enforcement duties," he wrote. 

Ihusan attached with his post a video of a protester carrying away a Police riot shield. 

MDP rejected Ihusan's claims, and instead alleged that Police are using excessive force. 

"The police aggressively attempted to stop the protest and disperse the peaceful crowd through indiscriminate use of pepper spray and riot gear," MDP posted in response to Ihusan's post. 

"Minister Ihusan's tweet is a blatant lie, and a thinly veiled attempt to justify the brutal violence being employed by the police," MDP said. 

Large numbers of protesters are joining tonight's MDP 'Lootuvaifi' [Looted] protest.