Majlis accepts amendment to freedom of assembly for consideration

People’s Majlis, during the sitting on Monday, accepted the amendment to freedom of assembly – necessitating written permission from police for street gatherings – for consideration.

The bill, proposed by South Maafannu MP Abdulla Rifau was accepted for consideration with the vote of 39 lawmakers.

22 lawmakers voted against accepting the bill.

The amendment says that though stated otherwise in the Constitutions, no gathering or rally can be held on the streets of Male’ in any other place than which published by Ministry of Home Affairs without written permission from Maldives Police Service.

It says that Ministry of Home Affairs needs to publish a list of places permitted for gatherings in Government Gazette within 30 days the bill is passed and takes effect.

It takes effect the moment President ratifies the bill and publishes it in Government Gazette.

Meanwhile, Article 32 of Maldivian Constitution states that all Maldivians have the right to peaceful gatherings without prior permission from State authorities.