Muizzu assures right to assembly anywhere in Malé remains intact despite police warning

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has assured the public that the right to assembly “anywhere” in the capital Malé City remains intact, despite police warnings that gatherings would only be allowed in a few areas permitted by the government.

The president made this statement while speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on Saturday.

On Friday, the police announced that they would disperse any gatherings using force if they were held in areas other than Carnival area, Rasfannu, Usfasgandu, and the Industrial Zone.

Referring to these statements at the presser held the next day, Muizzu said that the police announcement is believed to be the way the statement should be issued based on how the law currently stands. He also stated that the government has never banned gatherings in Malé.

Heavily criticizing the ongoing series of protests by youth claiming to seek justice for 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, the president said that many parties, including the public and businesspeople, have complained about youth blocking roads, using foul language in the name of protests, and engaging in games. Therefore, the president said that the police have intervened to stop the protests due to many such issues.

While the constitution guarantees the right to protest without prior notice, the police stated in a statement issued on Friday that they will use legal force to disperse gatherings held in violation of the law, take legal action against those organizing such gatherings, and take all necessary measures to protect public interest.

The police statement said that they will take necessary measures to enforce the law. While the police said this, expanding the right to protest to the extent permitted by the constitution is one of Muizzu's presidential pledges.