Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel has said that the Maldives Police Service acted within the legal framework in maintaining order during clashes at an opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) rally in Malé City on Friday night.

Minister Dr Khaleel’s remarks came in response to a post by MDP President and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on X, in which he accused the police of using excessive force to disperse protesters.

The Minister said police had designated Boduthakurufaanu Magu as the protest route in line with the Freedom of Assembly Act, a decision he noted was reached after consultations with the MDP. However, he said protesters deviated from the agreed route and attempted to force their way into Majeedhee Magu, breaking police barricades, seizing shields, and committing other unlawful acts.

Minister Dr Khaleel described the protesters’ actions as an attempt to obstruct police officers from carrying out their legal responsibilities. He added that demonstrators repeatedly tried to provoke the police, who he maintained acted in accordance with the law.

The Minister also urged Abdulla Shahid and other MDP leaders to refrain from spreading false information regarding the events.