President ratifies amendment to freedom of assembly

President Abdulla Yameen, on Tuesday, ratified the amendment to freedom of assembly which requires a written approval from the police to hold any gathering on the streets of Male’.

The written permission is required for gatherings in any other area, other than which is authorized and listed by Ministry of Home Affairs for gatherings.

The amendment has been published in the Government Gazette upon ratification.

Ministry of Home Affairs is required to publish the list of places approved for gatherings in Male’ within the next 30 days.

The amendment clashes with the constitutional right to freedom of peaceful assembly without prior notice to State authorities.