I do not recall saying, "If you wish to gather in places, you should go to Hajj," former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said.

Speaking at a rally held by his party PPM on the eve of the 2018 presidential election, President Yameen spoke against gathering in places, as MDP , the opposition at that time was making attempt after attempt to hold rallies but was prevented from doing so . Speaking at the rally, President Yameen had said, "If you wish to gather in places, you should go to Hajj".

However, in an interview with Sangu TV on Friday night, President Yameen said he did not remember saying such a thing. He also said that he had designated certain places where they can gather if they so wished .

Yameen said its the duty of the police to check crowded areas, especially if peace is disturbed . He said police would not stop the rally if there were no illegal activities.

His government had given more space to protest than this government does, he said. They were given the opportunity to demonstrate near the President's Office, but now they do not have that opportunity, he said.

And he questioned whether media freedom was greater now or in the previous government. Referring to the government's decision not to disclose the source in some specific cases, President Yameen said the previous government did not prohibit journalists from writing a particular story.

In response to a question about the previous government's action against TV channels for what they broadcast, Yameen said some channels may have been fined, adding he was not aware of any action taken against them . However, he said action would be taken against the rebroadcast.

His government had to pass the Defamation Act because journalist say whatever they want without giving any regard to the consequence, he said, adding that these matters are prosecuted everywhere in the world.