Police have obstructed an event held by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) women's wing in preparation for a rally to be held on October 3.
MDP began the Anhenunge Adu (Women's Voice) vehicle ride from the Artificial Beach in Male' on Tuesday evening. Police halted the pickup truck with the sound system before the event could begin.
Eyewitnesses told Adhadhu that police threatened the driver with action and said a special permit was needed for the vehicle to go around the city. A video circulating on social media shows police officers at the scene.
MDP members expressed frustration after police tried to prevent them from the exercising their right to hold a peaceful political event. Police finally left the area when MDP lawyers spoke with the officers.
The pickup was then allowed to ride around Male', followed by motorcycles carrying MDP women's wing members who shouted slogans against President Mohamed Muizzu's government.
The main opposition party has been holding a series of events to garner support for a big rally announced to take place on October 3.
