The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to join the nightly youth protests to demand justice over the fall of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, 21, from an apartment building in Male'.
The Leadership Rapid Response Team (LRRT), appointed by the MDP national council, proposed an emergency meeting on Friday and condemned the government's obstruction of the peaceful protests.
MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail called on party members to support the youth and join their protests.
"If we are fighting for our rights, whether it is done by a party or by individuals, everything is political. This youth movement is not run by a political party," Fayyaz said.
"However, today, when the state is acting in ways that will affect all of us citizens by obstructing their protests, we cannot remain unconcerned about it. We must raise our voices."
Fayyaz noted that the youths have requested MDP to support the protests by providing equipment and attending the demonstrations.
He also urged people, especially young people, across the country to participate in the youth-led movement for justice and human rights.
Meanwhile, the opposition-aligned Democrats also decided to join the youth protests without using the party colour and flag.
"We advise all party members to take part in the peaceful youth protests without using the party's colour and flag," the party stated.
Young people have been protesting peacefully for eight days, but on May 1, police targeted protest leaders and brutally arrested two of them.
Aishath Shiman Ahmed, 19, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, 28, were remanded in custody for three days on Friday.
The MDP has demanded their release and called on the police to give space to the youth protests.
