HRCM expresses concern over law prohibiting protests in resorts

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has expressed concern over the prohibition of protests in tourist resorts by the Act on Peaceful Assembly.

At a workshop held yesterday to sensitize government institutions, political parties and non-governmental organizations on the Act on Peaceful Assembly, Vice President of HRCM Ahmed Tholal raised concerns over the prohibition of protests in resorts, and spoke in defence of the resort employees.

Answering a question by Sun yesterday, Tholal said the prohibition of protests stated in the Act on Peaceful Assembly contradicts with the right to equality stated in the constitution. He said that while the Act prohibits protests in resorts in order to protect tourism businesses, the Act does not prohibit protests by those conducting guest houses and other businesses that cater for tourists. He said that this is in contradiction to the right to equality guaranteed in the constitution.

“This law does not bar a person from not attending work. The right to freedom of assembly is something that is guaranteed to everyone by the constitution. Not only to Maldivian citizens, but guaranteed to everyone. One right is granted and the other is not, it should not be like that. All rights shall be granted,” said Tholal.

Article 24 of the Act on Peaceful Assembly states that it is prohibited to protest in tourist resorts, commercial harbours and airports and that such a protest can only be staged after obtaining written permission from the Police, and that the Police shall only allow such a protest following consultation with Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The law however does not stop employees from not attending work as a means to strike.

Tholal also said that the commission had urged the President not to ratify the bill, and that he is saddened that the bill was nonetheless ratified.

Tholal said that HRCM is currently working on identifying the clauses in the Act on Peaceful Assembly that limits fundamental rights and freedoms, and said that the commission will submit to amend these clauses to the Parliament.