The National movement opposing the Rasmalé deal will hold a rally in Hulhumalé on Friday night and a nationwide gathering in Malé on Fourth December, one of its leaders said on Sunday.
Former Home Minister Imran Abdulla, a leading figure in the “Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinah” movement, told a press conference that Friday’s rally in Hulhumalé Phase II will be held under the banner “Raiy Rongu”.
“We have decided to hold another major gathering on December 4, bringing people from across the islands of the Maldives to Malé,” Imran said.
He said the movement chose the date after a strong turnout at its protest at Artificial Beach in Malé last Friday. Imran said people came to that rally despite heavy rain and “various pressures”, which he said showed widespread public support.
“This coming Friday night we will hold a rally titled ‘Raiy Rongu’ in Hulhumalé Phase II. Therefore, it is our sincere request that residents living in Hulhumalé, as well as anyone from Malé who is able to attend, join us,” he said.
Imran said the December fourth gathering would go ahead if the government pushes on with the project without addressing public concerns.
He also urged members of parliament to vote against the Real Estate Bill, which the government has submitted to the People’s Majlis to make way for the Rasmalé project.
The movement thanked opposition parties and political figures for supporting last Friday’s rally.
The government signed commercial terms on Sept. 21 to sell 500 hectares of Rasmalé, which is being reclaimed from the Fushidhiggaru lagoon using state funds, to Abu Dhabi-based developer Eagle Hills. It has not announced any pause in plans to sign a definitive agreement.
Opponents say the deal would allow foreigners, including non-Muslims, to settle in the Maldives, where the constitution restricts citizenship to Muslims.
