Democrats Male’ City Councilors condemn “threats via police'' to MDP ahead of rally

Two councillors from the Male' City Council have voiced serious concerns, alleging threats from senior officials of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) in connection with a planned Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) rally.

A joint statement released on Friday, signed by The Democrats party representative Councillors Saif Fathih for Galolhu North and Maryam Nazima Mohamed Faiz for Galolhu West, asserted that freedom of expression, demonstration, and peaceful political movement are fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

The statement detailed that senior officials of the ruling party are reportedly spreading fear and unrest among the public in connection with the opposition MDP's planned “Lootuvaifi” rally, scheduled to take place in Male' city on Friday evening. Furthermore, the statement alleged that threats are being disseminated through the police, and that employees of government-owned companies are being instructed by their superiors not to participate in the rally.

The councillors declared it unacceptable for the ruling party and state institutions to portray the exercise of a fundamental right as a threat or an error, emphasizing that such actions impede peaceful political activity.

As members of the Male' City Council, the signatories called upon the government and security forces to cease spreading intimidation regarding the rally.

They also highlighted that the streets and public places of Male’ city have historically been accessible for peaceful political movement to all citizens of the country.

This statement from the councillors follows an earlier announcement by the police, who had stated they received information about potential clashes planned in connection with the rally. Similar statements from the police in preparation for political rallies have been common under previous administrations.

Meanwhile, police have announced that various parts of the city will be closed on Friday until late in the evening.