The police are seeking charges against three individuals, including Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, for participating in the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protest on October 3 last year.

The police are seeking charges against Mauroof, MDP local council candidate Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya) and Abdul Salaam. The cases have been sent to the Prosecutor General's (PG) Office.

They are accused of gathering on the streets of Male' in violation of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act and disrupting public transport and businesses. They are also accused of obstructing police duty and disobedience to police orders.

October 3 protest. -- Photo: Adhadhu

The police arrested eight people during the protest, six of whom were remanded in custody for 15 days. They previously sought charges against seven people, but the PG Office decided not to prosecute them.

In a post on social media X last night, Mauroof said the party will not be intimidated during the local council election campaign. He is currently campaigning in Thaa atoll.

“President Muizzu must know that prosecuting me will not be an obstacle to our local council election campaign and that the people will not say ‘yes’ [to him] in the referendum,” he said.

Former Chairperson of MDP, Fayyaz Ismail, said the government's strategy is to intimidate the opposition during each election.

Galolhu South MP Meekail Naseem said Muizzu came to power with a promise to stop political prosecution, but that we are now seeing his true character.