The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has announced the designation of additional areas where the public can gather peacefully without requiring police permission.
Previously, only one area in Male’, the Henveiru Carnival area, was designated for assembly under the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act.
In an announcement issued by the Homeland Security Ministry, the Ministry confirmed that three additional areas have now been designated to facilitate peaceful gatherings. The three areas are the Rasfannu Area, Male’ South-West reclaimed area, and the Usfasgandu area.
The Homeland Security Ministry said that with the newly designated areas, a total of four areas can now be used for peaceful assembly without requiring police permission. However, gatherings in other areas will require a written approval from the Maldives Police Service.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to ensure that Maldivian citizens can exercise their right to peaceful assembly and right to freedom of expression to their fullest extent. He also expressed willingness to public ideas and concerns. However, he made it clear that no one will be allowed the opportunity to sow discord and disrupt the peace of the country.