During Saturday's MDP protest, police were once again observed using disproportionate force and heavy-handed tactics to restrain demonstrators
Concerns have mounted over police conduct during a joint protest held by the MDP and PNF in Male' last night, with allegations that authorities obstructed journalists' work in addition to cordoning off streets with barricades. Although two senior MDP activists were arrested during the demonstration, both individuals have since been released from custody.
From the MDP's ongoing series of protests on April 18, 2026. | MDP | MDP
Police used excessive force to disrupt a peaceful political gathering during a protest held by the MDP on Saturday night.
As the protest commenced, police obstructed the participants and cordoned off Chaandhanee Magu with barricades to prevent them from advancing. The demonstrators called for the resignation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. At one point during the rally, members of the opposition PNF joined the protest.
Following the incident, members of the public marched through the streets of Male' to voice their grievances. Police cordoned off the area near the Parliament building with barricades to prevent protesters from advancing further. While a large number of officers were deployed to control the demonstration, police were seen pushing a RaajjeTV cameraman. Furthermore, authorities restricted media coverage by ordering journalists to remain within a designated area, effectively hindering their ability to report on the protest.
Two individuals were arrested during the protest. Those taken into custody were Ibrahim Rasheed Hassan (Vaavaa), a member of the party’s National Council, and Ahmed Maimoon Mohamed, the Vice President of the MDP Youth Wing. Maimoon was released earlier today under specific conditions, while Hassan was released late last night.
