The leading opposition party of Maldives, Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has said that the rumors of a major rally on Friday is false, but admitted that there are plans to host such a gathering soon.
The police issued a warning stating that they will take strict action against people who are going to come to Male, and disrupt the peace. The ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had also warned people who participate in the opposition rallies. PPM's vice president had even warned people from other islands not to come to the capital take part in such rallies.
After a meeting with police, MDP secretary general Anas Abdul Sattar talked to the media and said that the police have the wrong information about the rally on Friday. He added that they are planning to host a vast opposition gathering soon, and that the date will be announced.
Anas said that MDP will have its usual gathering at the MDP main hub to show support to the initial Supreme Court ruling to reinstate 12 parliamentarians and to release nine political leaders. He said that the party will have the same gathering this Friday, and asked the public to join the gathering.
He went on to request the police to give way for the opposition to hold its gatherings, the same way the police offer security at PPM meetings.
The opposition has on several occasions raised the issue of not getting the same protection given to PPM by law enforcement officers.
Although the Constitution gives way for peaceful gatherings, the police continues to break up the usual opposition gathering.
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