Police deploy pepper spray without warning against participants of an MDP protest, resulting in one arrest
Police forcibly dispersed a joint protest held by the MDP and PNF in Male' on Thursday night calling for the release of detained journalists, resulting in one arrest. Officers deployed pepper spray without prior warning as protesters attempted to enter Majeedhee Magu, while also confiscating a megaphone and a sofa used during the demonstration. Witnesses further noted that police intimidated the crowd by driving a vehicle into the protest area at high speed.
Protesters gathered at an MDP rally on Thursday night: Police have cordoned off Boduthakurufaanu Magu near Villa College. | Raajje MV
Police used pepper spray without warning on protesters in Male' on Thursday night and arrested one individual during a demonstration calling for the release of jailed "Adhadhu" journalists Mohamed Shahuzaan and Leevan Ali Nasir.
Thursday night's protest commenced at the Artificial Beach area. As demonstrators attempted to move from the area onto Majeedhee Magu, police intervened multiple times to block their path. Notably, in an apparent attempt to intimidate the crowd, a police vehicle was seen driving at high speed directly into the gathering. At a certain point during the demonstration, supporters of the PNF also joined the protesters.
As protesters attempted to move onto Majeedhee Magu, a large contingent of police officers surrounded the crowd and deployed pepper spray directly at them without any prior warning. The use of pepper spray also severely affected residents and bystanders in the surrounding area.
Protesters subsequently marched along Boduthakurufaanu Magu toward Villa College, demanding the immediate release of jailed journalists and all individuals detained during Wednesday night’s demonstration. However, police intercepted the crowd near Villa College, blocking their path and preventing further advancement. During the standoff, authorities confiscated the megaphone used by the protesters and took Mohamed Shamin, who was holding the device, into custody.
On Wednesday night, the MDP once again held protests across various areas of Malé, demanding the release of imprisoned journalists. During the demonstration, 10 individuals were arrested; upon being produced in court, three were remanded in custody. Mirroring the events of Wednesday night, police again seized a sofa that was being used by protesters during Thursday night's demonstrations.
