The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) mass protest against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s authoritarian government has captured international attention, with The Associated Press (AP) reporting on the escalating political unrest and authoritarian shift unfolding in the Maldives.

Held on Friday night in the capital Malé City, the protest was organized in direct response to the Muizzu administration’s increasingly repressive policies, including restrictions on fundamental rights, the concentration of executive power, and alleged large-scale corruption.

According to AP, eight individuals were arrested during the demonstration, which MDP claims was peaceful and constitutionally protected. The Maldives Police Service (MPS), however, justified the arrests by alleging that protesters violated agreed-upon conditions and used unauthorized routes, claims critics say are part of a broader effort to criminalize dissent.

The AP report echoed MDP’s condemnation of the police’s use of riot shields, pepper spray, and other aggressive tactics to suppress the protest. The party has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees and continues to challenge what it calls the government’s blatant abuse of power.

The protest also called for the reversal of recent constitutional amendments that weaken democratic checks and balances while expanding presidential authority. Demonstrators rallied against government moves to limit local council powers, silence independent media through punitive licensing laws, and exploit state-owned enterprises for political gain.

The AP coverage included context on the Maldives' global profile as a high-end tourist destination, highlighting the stark contrast between the country's glossy international image and its deteriorating democratic institutions.

The fact that a domestic protest has now drawn the attention of major international news outlets underscores growing concern over the Muizzu administration’s governance. As the government continues to clamp down on opposition voices and centralize control, scrutiny from global media and international human rights organizations is expected to intensify.

What began as a peaceful demonstration against constitutional erosion has now evolved into a defining moment for Maldivian democracy, with the eyes of the world watching.