14 nights of unyielding protests - no fatigue, no backing down

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ended a series of protests on March 19, after 14 consecutive nights of unyielding demonstrations against the actions of the incumbent administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The series of protests that the main opposition party has been conducting in the capital Malé City since March 7, turned into demonstrations that rattled the government. From that point on, the Maldives Police Service (MPS) used disproportionate force through various means including pepper spray, which was witnessed during these protests.

MDP took to the streets to raise their voice against the government's alleged impoverishment of the people. People were expressing their discontent, claiming they were being deprived of their fundamental rights. In addition to this, members of various industries have been saying that corruption within the government has increased and that the public is being oppressed.

Issues related to land, taxi drivers, and entrepreneurs all reflected a sense of despair. The statements from current and former parliamentarians also echoed the extent of disappointment and despair towards the current administration.

Attempts were made to stop the protests one way or another. On the night of March 10, the police and military jointly launched a special operation in the capital city related to national security, however no further details about the raid were disclosed. Then followed scenes of women being assaulted during the protests and summons being sent to the women as well as other MDP members to report to the police.

Even with many unlawful acts such as barricading both sides of the MDP headquarters area to prevent protests, as well as assaulting women, the protest participants could not be pushed back.

After several women in the opposition side were dragged to the police institution, the party’s vice president Hisaan Hussain also began taking to the streets in protest, to encourage the public. Speaking at an MDP protest on March 16, Hisaan reminded that MDP women are those who take to the streets to raise their voices against oppression with deep-rooted courage. Hisaan reminded authorities that MDP women have not been pushed back before and will not be in the future as well.

Many people have been summoned to the police through notices for protesting. Some people have been summoned repeatedly.

Summoned were:

1. Mohamed Raee
2. Moosa “Mookey” Ali Manik
3. Mohamed Shamin (Taxi Driver)
4. Ahmed “Maaz” Saleem
5. Mariyam “Mandhy” Zubair
6. Fathimath Shiuna
7. Khadheeja Mohamed
8. Reesha Ahmed
9. Aishath Najudha Ali
10. Ibrahim Abdulla
11. Adam “Funama” Mohamed Manik
12. Ahmed Maimoon Mohamed
13. Fathimath Nasreena

The message given by the parliamentarians and national congress members at these protests was that the government needs to wake up, take action and listen. They emphasized that the public with no longer remain silent and if ignored, their voices will only grow louder in the coming days.

According to MDP, although the protests have been suspended for the last 10 days of Ramadan, this is not an end. MDP continues to say that they will conduct protests throughout the Maldives, amplifying their voices.