The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has called on the authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) launched nightly protests in Male' on March 7. HRCM earlier said it would monitor the demonstrations.

“Since freedom of peaceful assembly is a fundamental right guaranteed to everyone under Article 32 of the Constitution, we urge law enforcement agencies to provide space for that right within the legal framework,” HRCM said in a statement.

An unusually large number of police officers worked to disperse a relatively smaller crowd of protesters, causing injuries to some people on Wednesday night.

There were also concerns as male police officers were dealing with female protesters.

Earlier this week, police officers used pepper spray directly towards the faces of protesters while two MDP officials were also taken into custody.

“We call on the Maldives Police Service to use force within the legal framework even in situations where force is required during the demonstration,” the statement said.