Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has criticised the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for disregarding the approved route for its protest in Malé on Friday night, suggesting that the party’s intent may not have been to hold a peaceful assembly.

In a post on X, Minister Ihusaan noted that under the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act of 2013, protests outside designated areas require prior approval from the Maldives Police Service. He said the MDP had submitted a request for a specific route, but due to heavy traffic on Majeedhee Magu and in the interest of public safety, police approved an alternative.

According to the Minister, police were prepared to cooperate fully with organisers to ensure the event could go ahead smoothly. However, the MDP disregarded both their own proposed route and the alternative approved by police, leading to confrontations when protesters attempted to push past barricades.

Minister Ihusaan underlined that the Government remains committed to protecting the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly within the legal framework, while also prioritising the safety and rights of all individuals.

The incident has drawn further scrutiny over the MDP’s handling of the protest, which began as a call for peaceful demonstration but ended in clashes with police.