HRCM urges authorities to allow MDP protests

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has urged authorities to allow the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), to take to the streets.

In a statement released on Thursday, the commission highlighted that it has been monitoring the series of protests being carried out in the congested capital Malé City by the main opposition party since 7 March 2025.

The statement further said that as the freedom of peaceful assembly is a fundamental right granted to every person under Article 32 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives, it appeals to law enforcement agencies to facilitate this right within the legal framework.

Similarly, HRCM has also appealed to relevant authorities to provide opportunities for media personnel covering the protests to work without obstruction. In addition to this, HRCM has called on the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to use force within legal limits even in situations where force becomes necessary during protests.

Although HRCM has been active in monitoring the opposition MDP's protests, public criticism has been directed at HRCM for questioning the police about their conduct. Critics are saying that HRCM's statement is biased, as it does not address the instances of police brutality against civilians that are visible in photos and videos of the protests.

In the series of ongoing MDP protests, civilians have suffered various injuries due to disproportionate use of force by the police. Women, in particular, have been severely affected. The public has been strongly criticizing the issue of male police officers pushing back female protesters.