The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s Lootuvaifi Lootuvaifi (Stop the Looting) rally has begun at the Artificial Beach in Male'.
Adhadhu journalists estimate a crowd of more than 2,500 people when the rally, driven by economic hardships and erosion of rights, began at 9:00 pm.
Participants were waving the national flag along with the MDP flag and were expressing their sentiments against President Mohamed Muizzu's regime.
Throngs of people travelled from the atolls to join the rally while the government officials conducted a fear-mongering social media campaign to discourage participants.
MDP leadership members are the rally, including Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, President Abdulla Shahid and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Police have been on high alert, with hundreds of officers active across the city and traffic routes controlled. Drones have been circling above the Male' area and all prison officers are currently on duty.
