Haidar on the protest: In defense of the rule of law, people must stand up

Higher Education Minister Dr. Ali Haidar has called on the people to stand up in defense of the rightful constitutional government.

In a post via the government's official Higher Education Minister's 'X' handle, Haidar wrote that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s Friday evening rally is an evil attempt to disrupt the peace and order of Maldives and disrupt the entire country.

The MDP wants to destroy the economy and mock the government, he wrote.

"Such wrong acts must not be allowed. The precious social fabric of our country must not be torn apart. I call on all citizens to stand up in defense of the rule of law and defend our country, religion and freedom." Haidar wrote in the post.

At the rally, Abdulla Shahid, President MDP and former Foreign Minister, stated that the whole state is collapsing and that he will not remain idle and watch it happen.

He emphasized that the MDP has a history of protecting the reforms it brought about and will continue to make sacrifices to uphold them.

MDP presented five demands to President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu's government at the Friday evening rally.

Addressing President Muizzu directly, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir outlined five specific demands in his speech at Artificial Beach at the beginning of the rally:

1. Withdraw the constitutional amendment regarding MPs losing seats due to party changes.

2. Initiate state payments to private companies within five weeks.

3. Withdraw amendments to the Decentralization Act that restrict council powers.

4. Repeal the Media Act.

5. Guarantee availability and fair access to Aasandha and medications.

Hundreds of individuals attended the rally, filling the entire Artificial Beach area. The MDP stated that the event aimed to amplify public voices against various corruption allegations leveled against the government.

Police prevented the rally participants from leaving the artificial beach and heading to Majeedhee Magu. Afterwards, clashes broke out between the protesters and police used pepper spray on the protestors. Six people have been arrested so far.

In a statement, police said some of the participants of the rally obstructed police duty and action would be taken against those responsible.