Home Minister Ali Ihusaan has declared that the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will not be permitted to hold its "Dhathivejje" protest on Majeedhee Magu on Thursday night.
Speaking at a sitting of the People’s Majlis, Ihusaan explained that the protest cannot be allowed on Majeedhee Magu at the requested time due to the high volume of traffic during those hours.
"As I understand it, since the time requested [by MDP] falls on a Thursday night, which is typically a period of heavy traffic congestion, access to that area cannot be granted at that time," Ihusaan said.
The minister urged the organizers to utilize wider roads for their demonstrations and expressions of sentiment. He noted that permission has currently been granted for the protest to take place on the outer ring road (Boduthakurufaanu Magu), spanning from the Artificial Beach area to the vicinity of Kalhuthuhkalaa Koshi.
Furthermore, Ihusaan stated that protests cannot be facilitated on Ameenee Magu at this time due to ongoing construction work on that road.
Despite the minister’s remarks, the MDP maintained during meetings with the police that Majeedhee Magu is the only viable route for their demonstration.
The MDP argued that they requested Majeedhee Magu because it is a densely populated residential area, which would allow their message to reach a larger number of citizens.
The MDP protest is scheduled to begin at 8:30 pm on Thursday, August 13, starting in front of the Social Centre on Majeedhee Magu.
The "Dhathivejje" protest is being organized to voice concerns over the skyrocketing cost of living. According to official government statistics, the price of essential food items has risen by eight percent over the past year.
