The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), joined by the Adhaalath Party, is staging a major protest in Malé against President Mohamed Muizzu’s government. Hundreds of people from various islands travelled to Malé for the rally, despite government attempts to restrict the gathering. MDP leaders, including Chairman Fayyaz Ismail, party President Abdullah Shahid, and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, were present at Artificial Beach as the protest began.
Key highlights:
• MDP has billed the protest as a demonstration against government mismanagement, economic hardship and broken promises.
• President Mohamed Muizzu this week pledged for the third time since taking office to settle all pending bills owed to private businesses within five weeks. His previous pledges to clear arrears were not fulfilled.
• Island Aviation, the state-owned operator of the national airline Maldivian, has asked the Civil Court to freeze the MDP’s accounts over a debt of MVR 3.6 million. The court has not yet ruled on the request.
• Police leadership has seen sudden changes ahead of the protest. Assistant Commissioner Asim Abdulla was removed as Malé area commander after being linked to protest security arrangements.
Latest
23:32 – MDP Legal Director Ahmed Maurouf told Raajje TV that the Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) being used by police is not an authorised weapon and described its deployment as an act of violence. He also said that the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) is not monitoring the protest following orders from President Muizzu.
23:10 – Police are using a high-decibel acoustic device to disperse the crowd. Experts say exposure to it can lead to discomfort, nausea, and temporary disorientation.
23:05 – MDP leaders Fayyaz Ismail, Abdulla Shahid and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih are at the front of the crowd, near police shields. The party is urging protesters to remain in place.
22:50 – Kanditheemu MP Ameen Faisal has been taken into custody.
22:46 – Former Dhaandhoo MP Yauqoob Abdulla has been arrested.
22:40 – Police have issued a statement stating that legal action would be taken against protesters, accusing them of attempting to obstruct police duties.
22:17 – At least six demonstrators have so far been taken into custody.
21:51 – Police fired pepper spray to disperse demonstrators. Several people were affected, with some receiving medical attention.
21:50 – Police have instructed media personnel to leave the area. Raajje TV reporters and crew were specifically ordered to leave the protest area.
21:38 – Protesters leaving the Artificial Beach area have now taken to the streets and police have use pepper spray to halt their advance along Majeedhee Magu.
21:25 – MP Mauroof Zakir demanded that President Muizzu repeal the constitutional amendment targeting parliament members, end the exploitation of state-owned companies for personal gain, settle private company dues within five weeks, restore decentralisation and council powers, repeal the Maldives Broadcasting and Media Control Act, and ensure safe medicines through Aasandha.
21:16 – The first to speak at the protest was party President Abdullah Shahid. He accused the government of looting the state and said the crowd had gathered “to raise one voice against the looting.”
20:49 – Maldives Correctional Service has placed all prisons on alert and ordered all officers to report for duty. In a notice issued on Friday, the agency said employees at the head office were also put on alert from 5:00 p.m. The notice did not state a reason. Only pregnant officers and female officers with children under one were exempt, while all others were instructed to report to the head office in tactical kit.
20:48 – Police have announced that various areas of Malé will be closed to both vehicles and pedestrians at different times tonight as part of their operation. The announcement was made in a post on X.