The Maldivian Government has countered the “Lootuvaifi, Lootuvaifi” Friday night opposition protests by the Maldivian Democratic Party by reaffirming its commitment to the democratic freedom of peaceful assembly. The government stated that police action was taken only after participants violated the approved protest routes. The MDP, however, accused the government of police brutality, claiming that thousands had gathered to protest against the policies of President Muizzu’s administration, alleging corruption and worsening living conditions.

Former Maldives President Ibrahim Solih and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid were among those present at the protest.

The Maldivian Democratic Party, the political party with the largest membership in the country, said six individuals were arrested by the police and demanded that they be released immediately and unconditionally.

Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, who also serves as the MDP President, criticised the Muizzu administration for using Long Range Acoustic Devices to disperse peaceful protesters in Malé on Friday evening. He also condemned the “violent dispersal and indiscriminate arrest of peaceful demonstrators” and voiced urgent concerns about human rights and police brutality.

“I firmly denounce tonight’s violent dispersal and unselective arrests of peaceful Malé protesters, along with the disproportionate force employed by Dr. Muizzu’s administration. These acts raise utmost concern regarding human rights as well as police brutality. We remain steadfast in…” he posted on X.

Former President Ibrahim Solih also condemned what he described as a disproportionate government response to the protesters.

Ali Ihusaan, the Minister of Technology and Homeland Security, denied the allegations and shared a video on X showing protesters stealing equipment from a police officer. He stated that such actions could not be considered part of a peaceful demonstration.

“Taking equipment from an on-duty police officer by force is not seen as a peaceful political activity because it entails coercive or violent activities that interrupt law enforcement activities.”

In another post, Ihusaan said police had approved a different route for the MDP event, which organisers ignored, “implying that their purpose might not have been to organise a peaceful event.”

In a statement issued on October 2, the MDP accused the Muizzu government of disregarding the constitutional rights of citizens. It said that daily life had become more difficult due to “theft and corruption at the hands of the government,” and accused authorities of attempting to silence independent media.

The party also referred to domestic concerns such as the rising cost of commodities and electricity, saying that confidence among financial institutions had eroded and that the national economy had fallen to a record low. It called on members and citizens to join the rally.

In its official statement on Saturday, the Maldives Government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining democratic freedoms, including the right to peaceful protest.

Quoting a police statement from October 1, the government reminded that all protests must comply with the Freedom of Assembly Act. It stated, “In spite of this, and the consequent reminders by the Police, participants ignored the assigned route and enforced their entry into Majeedhee Magu, the Capital Male’s busiest street, undermining public order, destroying police barricades and appropriating police shields and interfering with police work.” The government emphasised that the Maldives Police Service had acted responsibly and with restraint, maintaining public order despite obstruction and provocation from protesters.

“The Government of Maldives respects and fully supports the right to protest and the right to freedom of expression to be exercised peacefully in accordance with the law,” it added.