MDP to hold another rally on November 17 if demands are not met

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced plans to stage another major rally on 17 November if the government fails to respond to the demands it presented during last week’s protest.

MDP held a large demonstration on Friday night under the banner “Lootuvaifi Lootuvaifi”, calling on the government to “get back on track” and outlining several key demands.

Former Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Saleem submitted a resolution to the MDP National Assembly condemning police actions during the protest, which began at 8:30pm at Artificial Beach. The rally had reportedly been permitted to proceed along Ameenee Magu and Boduthakurufaanu Magu, but demonstrators attempted to move onto Majeedhee Magu, leading to clashes with police.

The resolution also called for the release of six of the eight protesters arrested that night, who remain in custody. It urged the party to continue defending the people’s fundamental rights and to hold a large scale protest on 17 November if the government fails to address its demands. The resolution passed unanimously.

The date coincides with the second anniversary of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s assumption of office.

Speaking at the assembly, MDP president Abdulla Shahid said the party’s demands included repealing the constitutional amendments brought by this administration, scrapping legislation restricting media freedom, and ending government's oppression of the private sector.

“What the government should do is review the demands we have made and take action on them, even [as early as] tomorrow,” Shahid said.

“It must come down to the level of the people and listen to their sentiments. If not, we’ll be back on the streets by 17 November.”

The MDP’s five main demands are:

A large crowd attended Friday’s rally. Police have been accused of using excessive force to disperse protesters, including deploying a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), a sonic weapon.

Several participants later reported health issues allegedly linked to the device. MDP lawyers argued that police use of LRAD was unlawful as no official guidelines exist for its operation.

Police, however, said in a statement that officers acted within the powers granted under the Police Service Act, the Regulation on the Carrying and Use of Arms and the Regulation on the Exercise of Powers and Discretion.