Thousands of angry protesters trying to march through Male's main road have begun demanding President Mohamed Muizzu's resignation.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s Lootuvaifi Lootuvaifi (Stop the Looting) rally began at the Artificial Beach at 9:00 pm.
Rally participants wanted to march through Majeedhee Magu, but police put up barricades and used pepper spray indiscriminately to stop them.
Two people have been arrested so far, while one vehicle has also been seized.
But protesters are refusing to leave the area and are now calling for Muizzu's resignation. The rally was fueled by economic woes and erosion of rights.
Police are also continuing to obstruct journalists covering the protest. They have repeatedly warned journalists to leave the area and stop reporting.
