The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused President Mohamed Muizzu of paying gangs to disrupt a rally scheduled in Male' for October 3.
Earlier, the police said the MDP was planning to commit crimes by activating criminal groups during the opposition rally.
"Police have received information that plans were made to bring various criminal groups to the streets and cause chaos in the city," police said.
But the MDP denied the allegations and guaranteed that it was a peaceful political gathering. The party said it had sought written police permission for the rally.
“We condemn the attempts by the Muizzu regime to fund criminal groups to disrupt the peaceful political movement scheduled to be held by the MDP,” the party said.
Additionally, the MDP said it had told the police that the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) was planning to activate gangs against the opposition.
The MDP said it regretted that the police had diverted the accusation.
It added that the police statement proves that the agency is politicised under Muizzu's control.
Meanwhile, late on Tuesday, hundreds of police officers in riot gear were seen across the capital city.
They were stationed near the Artificial Beach, the venue for the rally, and near Salman Mosque, Raalhugandu area and Jelly Restaurant on the main road of Male'.
