Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested during last night’s protest.
The main opposition party, MDP, gathered in numbers at the Artificial Beach area last night for the biggest rally held since the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu came into power.
After the rally, those gathered attempted to enter the busy Majeedhee Magu, which was blocked by the Police, and clashes ensued between the Police and MDP supporters. Police later said that MDP rally goers deviated from the previously permitted route for the rally and that MDP was not given permission to rally in Majeedhee Magu.
During the clashes, the Police were seen arresting MDP supporters, and they have yet to confirm how many were arrested in the clashes.
Today, former President Solih said via X that reports indicate that two former MPs, a Councillor for Addu City, and the President of Maafushi Council are among those arrested for exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest.
He also said that resorting to disproportionate force, cruel crowd dispersal methods, and unlawful arrests are signs of a government rapidly descending into authoritarian rule.
