Police Warn Opposition Gathering at Artificial Beach Must Stay Within Legal Framework

The Maldives Police Service has informed the organisers of a gathering planned for tonight at Artificial Beach in Malé that the event must be held within the legal framework, warning that any actions violating the law and regulations will be stopped immediately and measures taken. In a statement, the police said no party had so far shared information with them regarding the safety and security of participants, or the difficulties that may be faced by the general public and people going about their daily movements. The police therefore requested that gatherings not be held in places other than those permitted for gatherings without prior notice, and that the gathering be carried out in a manner that does not cause difficulties to any party. The gathering is being held in connection with the Maldives Waterfront End Marina project planned to be carried out in Rasmalé, and calls for a public referendum. It follows a resolution passed by the National Council of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) with the votes of 57 members out of 58, deciding to take direct action if the government does not hold a referendum. The MDP resolution alleged that the government is acting in violation of legal procedures in giving 500 hectares of land in Rasmalé, reclaimed with public funds, to Eagle Hills without any fee and for a long period. According to former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, the commercial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed to the People's Majlis, the media or the public. At a press conference of the "Dhivehi land for Dhivehis" movement created by opposition movements, former Home Minister Imran Abdulla said the project could pave the way for people of other religions to settle in the Maldives, and that it cannot be carried forward without a referendum seeking the people's opinion. In response to the allegations, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that a public referendum will not be held regarding the project being carried out in Rasmalé by Eagle Hills. The President said the project will be carried forward within the Maldives' legal framework, in a manner that protects the Islamic religion and the nation's sovereignty and independence. He also said the claims that land can be owned by foreigners and that the religion will be affected are allegations without any basis. Noting that Maldivian laws prohibit foreigners from owning land, the President said land under the project is being leased for a period of 99 years, and that when that period ends, the properties must be sold back to the Maldivian state. He also said the properties cannot be sold to third parties without the government's knowledge, and that it will be prohibited by law for Israeli citizens to purchase or acquire any property from those places. On the economic benefits of the agreement, President Muizzu said that as an advance commitment, 5,000 housing units worth 500 million dollars, and approximately 3.1 billion dollars, being 10 percent of the revenue received by the company operating the project, will be received by the state. As announced by the government, under the contractor financing method, Eagle Hills will build 5,000 three-bedroom housing units in Hulhumalé dedicated to Maldivian families. Housing Minister Abdullah Muthalib has said that under the agreement, the state does not depend on money advanced, but on TGST and the revenue share and income received from property transactions. Auditor General Ahmed Usham also said the government will not do anything in violation of the law in implementing the project. The Rasmalé project, being developed in the Fushidhiggaru lagoon near Malé, is the largest land reclamation project carried out in the Maldives so far. President Muizzu officially inaugurated the practical land reclamation work of the project on December 18, 2023. The masterplan of Rasmalé, planned to be developed as a sustainable and modern smart city, includes 65,000 housing units of various types. An agreement was signed on September 21 between the Maldivian government and Eagle Hills, a company of Abu Dhabi, to develop a 20 billion dollar waterfront and marina project in Rasmalé. According to Auditor General Usham, under Article 8 of the tourism law, when the period of a place leased for 99 years ends, the government must pay the investor the amount due after deducting depreciation from the value of the investment made in that place.