Supporters of the opposition coalition on Friday held anti-government protests in capital city Malé and the atolls.

The protesters called on authorities to implement the Supreme Court order on February 1 to release nine political prisoners and reinstate 12 MPs.

A large number of protesters gathered at different parts of the capital’s main thoroughfare Majeedhee Magu at 4:15pm.

Police were seen using a copious amount of pepper spray to control the crowd.

Protests were also held in AA Ukulhas, GDh Thinadhoo, L Maamendhoo, GA Villingili, Th Kinbidhoo, and Th Kandoodhoo.

At the protest in Male’, police arrested former speaker Abdulla Shahid, Jumhoree Party (JP)’s deputy leader Abdulla Riyaz, and Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed.