Police Warn Friday Night Protest Against Rasmalé Must Stay Within Legal Bounds

The Maldives Police Service has warned that a large gathering scheduled for Friday night must be conducted within legal bounds. In a press statement issued in connection with the gathering, police said no party has so far shared information with the Maldives Police Service regarding the safety and security of those participating, or the difficulties the public may face in their movement and travel. Police therefore said that, except for places permitted for gatherings without prior notice, the gathering must not be held in other locations, and that organisers have been instructed to hold it within legal bounds. Police added that such gatherings cause various difficulties for the public in their movement and travel, and advised organisers to hold the gathering within legal bounds so that it does not cause difficulties to any party. Police also warned that action will be taken to stop and take measures against acts carried out in violation of the law and regulations at the gathering. A large gathering has been decided to be held at 8:30 pm on Friday, 13 November, against the Rasmalé project, or the settling of foreign parties in Maldivian land, and calling for the people's visible and invisible vote on the issue. Former Home Minister Sheikh Imran Abdulla, a leading figure of the national movement, spoke at a protest held on Wednesday night.