Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla has commended the Maldives Police Service for their patience and determination in handling clashes during the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) rally in Malé on Friday night.

In a post on X, Abdul Raheem said the police deserved recognition for preventing what he described as an attempt by the MDP to disrupt peace and order in the country. He also noted his appreciation for the continued efforts of the police to safeguard national security.

The MDP had announced the rally in consultation with police and initially agreed to march along Boduthakurufaanu Magu. However, according to police, the party diverted from the agreed route after gathering at the Artificial Beach area and attempted to enter Majeedhee Magu.

Clashes erupted as demonstrators threw police barricades and seized shields while attempting to push through the cordon. Despite the confrontations, police noted that no excessive force was used and that officers acted to prevent disruption to public order in the capital.

Police had earlier urged participants to proceed with the rally as agreed, after receiving information that organisers planned to deviate from the authorised route.