Island Aviation Service Limited, the state-owned operator of the national airline Maldivian, has asked the Civil Court to freeze the accounts of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as the party prepares to stage a protest against the government on Friday.
The company said the MDP owes it MVR 3.6 million for ticket purchases. The court has not yet announced a decision on the request.
The protest is expected to be the largest yet against President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. Government offices have scheduled a range of activities for Friday, including fishing trips, sports events and social gatherings.
Police and army officials held a special meeting on Thursday ahead of the protest. Police also carried out specialised training in Malé this week.
Police, in a statement on Wednesday, accused the MDP of planning to incite riots during the protest. The party rejected the claim, saying the police and government were trying to create disorder to disrupt the demonstration.
Meanwhile, the Adhaalath Party has announced it will join the MDP protest, which is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. in the capital.