Transparency Shows Concern At Govt's Blocking Of Opposition Rally

Transparency Maldives have expressed concern regarding the Maldives Police Services' blocking of the opposition Progressive National Congress' planned rally in the Hulhumale Phase 2 area.

In a tweet, the NGO had stated that the freedom to assemble peacefully was a right granted by the Constitution. They called on the government "to act on their campaign pledge to revoke any unconstitutional amendments to the freedom of assembly to ensure the the public can freely exercise their right".

Although the Male City Council had granted the opposition coalition permission to organise a rally in the area, the Housing Development Corporation had opposed the proceedings and had claimed that the coalition could not go forward with the rally without the Corporation's permission. In response, the Male City Council cancelled the Hulhumale land registry that had been granted to the Corporation.

In addition, the HDC had requested the Police to put a stop to the rally. Last night, the police had begun barricading the area and Special Operations officers were deployed. The Police had been seen protecting MDP activists as they attempted to dismantle the preparations for the rally.