Assistant Police Commissioner Abdullah Fairoosh says that this is not the time to organize demonstrations with the country still battling the Covid-19 global pandemic.

His comments came after the local advocacy group ‘Navaanavai’ staged a protest in front of the parliament today, calling for the reform of the legislative house and also accusing the parliament of working solely for the benefit of the country’s rich and powerful.

Also, supporters of the opposition coalition protested outside the parliament building voicing concerns over the ‘Police Service Bill’ the ruling MDP has been pushing through the parliament since February. The protesters held posters supporting the police service while also accusing the Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed of exerting influence on the police organization.

In a tweet, the Assistant Police Commissioner said that the country is still in the middle of a pandemic and that this is not the time to organize demonstrations.

He requested that the public not to gather in groups of more than 3 people as per the guidelines set by the Health Protection Agency HPA.

Fairoosh also requested the public to express their concerns and support in another way except gathering on the streets of Male’.