The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has refused to condemn police use of excessive force in dispersing peaceful youth protesters despite stating that freedom of assembly should be granted.
Young people have been demonstrating 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 for three days on Friday.
Earlier on Friday, Adhadhu reported that the HRCM was refusing to comment on the police actions. In a statement later on Friday, the HRCM said the commission accepts the peaceful protests.
“The commission welcomes the participation of many young people in peaceful demonstrations in accordance with the right to peaceful assembly,” the statement read.
However, the HRCM did not directly address the police actions on May 1. The commission urged police to act within the legal framework and prioritise peace when dispersing protesters.
But the HRCM indirectly criticised the youth protests by stating that protesters must consider school exams and be mindful of pedestrians and vehicles. This was a false observation as youth protesters have been giving space to vehicles and pedestrians.
