• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Police in the Maldives arrested eight people during an overnight protest on Friday, accusing the government of corruption and curtailment of basic freedoms. The protesters violated conditions agreed upon before the march, used unauthorised roads, and threw rocks and water bottles, the Maldives Police Service said in a post on social media platform X.

Opposition condemns Muizzu's action

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party issued a statement condemning police for using pepper spray and riot shields to stop the march and called on the government of President Mohamed Muizzu to free all the protesters unconditionally.

"I strongly condemn the violent dispersal and indiscriminate arrests of peaceful demonstrators in Male tonight, as well as the excessive force used by Dr. Muizzu's government. These actions raise serious concerns about human rights and police brutality," Abdulla Shahid, former foreign Minister said on X.

"We remain committed to upholding justice and will not tolerate such injustices to go unchecked. I call on the government to immediately release all arrested individuals and ensure that those responsible for the excessive use of force are held accountable," he added.

What are protestors demand

The MDP organised the demonstration to demand that the government reverse constitutional changes narrowing fundamental rights and expanding the president's powers. The party also seeks universal public health care.

ALSO READ: India-Maldives Ties Shine As PM Modi Attends Independence Day Ceremony In Male | WATCH

Protesters called for a stop to restrictions on self-rule in the islands, withdrawal of a new law enabling fines and suspension or cancellation of media licenses, and mismanagement of state enterprises.

The archipelago nation, located in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka and the southern tip of India, is a popular tourist destination frequented by celebrities. A multiparty political system was introduced in 2008 after 30 years of autocratic rule.

(With inputs from agency)