President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has claimed that people can gather anywhere in Male' despite a warning from the police.
In a statement on Friday, police warned that they would use force to disperse any gatherings outside permitted locations. The locations are Carnival area, Rasfannu area, Usfasgandu area and Industrial Zone area.
But at a press conference today, Muizzu said the government would never ban gatherings in the city.
"[The police notice] is probably the way it should be because of what the law says at the moment. I will look at that phrase. Let me ask, it says that... But why do they not practice it? People gathered last night as well. They gathered last night. No warning was given," he said.
Muizzu criticized the ongoing protests by the youth. He accused them of using offensive language and playing games on the street.
Demonstrations without prior notice are a constitutional right. However, a law was passed during the government of former President Abdulla Yameen to restrict that right. Under the law, gatherings can only be held in places permitted by the government.
“The Maldives Police Service will continue to use force permitted by law to disperse illegal rallies, take legal action against the organizers of the rallies and take all necessary measures to protect the public interest,” the police said in the statement issued on Friday.
During the presidential election campaign, Muizzu pledged to repeal the law restricting gatherings in Male'.
