Police have used sonic weapons to control the protest in Male'.

This is the first time a sonic weapon has been used to disperse protestors in the Maldives.

A sonic weapon is a loud sound produced in a single rhythm using a long-range acoustic device or LRAD. This is a non-lethal weapon used by the police and army to control protests.

The effects of sonic weapons include dizziness, deafness and permanent damage to the ears. Sonic weapon sound is not contained or restricted to a specific area. This means people living in houses in the protest area will also be affected by the noise.

Adhadhu journalists report that police have been using excessive force against the protestors. Hundreds of protestors remain on Majeedhee Magu.