Police: MDP has not attended meetings regarding protests

Police have said that Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has not responded to invitations by the police for discussions regarding ongoing protests by opposition parties.

Police said that after Friday’s mass rally, organisers had given notice to police regarding protests scheduled for the days that followed; however, these protests were not held as described in the notices.

Police said that MDP has not heeded police’s requests to hold discussions, to ensure that the protests are peaceful and held in a manner that does not infringe the rights and disturb the daily lives of other citizens.

The party has been invited for discussions the past three days and efforts in this regard are still ongoing, said police.

Police stressed that the right to freedom of expression should be exercised such that it does not obstruct the fundamental rights of the people.