HRCM Calls for Protection of Assembly Rights Amid Protests
Photo: MDP
The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has called for both demonstrators and law enforcement agencies to uphold the constitutional right to freedom of assembly while maintaining public order and safety.
ނޫސް ބަޔާން:
https://t.co/fVEcUOm9R2 pic.twitter.com/bJQkwaZ55M— HRC of the Maldives (@hrcmv) March 13, 2025advertisement
The statement was issued on last Thursday as the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) continued its rallies in Malé.
The commission has been closely monitoring the situation and has urged law enforcement agencies to facilitate peaceful assemblies within legal boundaries. It stressed that any use of force should be necessary and proportionate, in line with legal provisions.
Emphasising the need for transparency, the HRCM highlighted the importance of allowing media personnel to cover protests without interference. The commission cautioned against obstructing journalists in their work, stating that press freedom must be respected during demonstrations.
At the same time, the commission condemned certain incidents observed during the rallies. It expressed concern over a case where a child was addressed in a manner that could harm his dignity, stating that such actions should not take place under the pretext of freedom of expression. Authorities have been urged to take measures to prevent similar incidents.
ސަރުކާރުން ރައްޔިތުންގެ އެތައް ހައްގުތައް ނިގުޅައިގެން ހުދުމުހުތާރި ވެރިކަމެއް ކުރަމުންދާތީ އެކަމާ ދެކޮޅަށް އަޑުއުފުލުމުގެ ގޮތުން ސިލްސިލާކޮށް ކުރިއަށްގެންދާ ސީދާ ހަރަކާތުގެ ތެރެއިން. pic.twitter.com/K4eGMsD5k5— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) March 13, 2025
The HRCM also acknowledged reports of clashes between MDP protesters and police, with several demonstrators sustaining injuries. It noted that protesters had attempted to enter restricted areas, including streets designated as green zones, while using loudspeakers. Law enforcement officers intervened to prevent unauthorised access to these areas.
The commission urged demonstrators to conduct their rallies in a manner that does not disrupt traffic or cause inconvenience to the public. It reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and ensuring that protests do not lead to unnecessary disturbances.
While affirming that the right to assemble is protected under the constitution, the HRCM stressed that demonstrations must be conducted within the confines of the law. It called on law enforcement agencies to disperse protests lawfully when required, ensuring that their actions remain within legal parameters.
