A protest organised by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Friday night descended into confrontation, with participants accused of obstructing police duties after clashing with law enforcement in the capital.
The demonstration began at 8:30 p.m. with a rally at the Artificial Beach area. Officials said the protest soon departed from the terms agreed upon with police, as participants advanced towards the main Majeedhee Magu and began confronting officers. This is in violation of the designated protest route, agreed upon with the Maldives Police Service in accordance with the Freedom of Assembly Act.
Clashes intensified when demonstrators attempted to dismantle police barricades. Reports from the scene indicated that protestors broke through barriers erected to control the march and carried them away. Participants were also accused of disobeying direct orders from officers and seeking to enter routes outside the agreed protest plan. Authorities described these actions as deliberate attempts to impede police from carrying out their responsibilities.
In a statement issued following the clashes, police said: "During the gathering held tonight in Malé by the Maldivian Democratic Party, participants were repeatedly instructed not to proceed along Majeedhee Magu, as it constituted a deviation from the authorised route. The participants, however, did not comply. They threw stones and bottles at the police, attempted to seize police equipment, and obstructed officers from performing their duties. Legal action will be taken against those responsible for these acts, and we urge all parties not to obstruct the police in carrying out their responsibilities."
The government’s response came swiftly. The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, issued a statement on social media. “Forcibly taking equipment from an on-duty police officer is not considered a peaceful political activity, as it involves coercive or violent actions that disrupt law enforcement duties,” he wrote.
Minister Ihusaan added that seizing items from officers on duty could not be regarded as a peaceful political act, characterising such behaviour as a direct obstruction of law enforcement agencies.
Police, meanwhile, maintained a visible presence throughout the incident. Officers repeatedly instructed demonstrators to comply with directives and follow guidance intended to maintain order.