Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has strongly condemned Friday night’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) rally in Malé, describing the events as “an act of terrorism” staged against the administration.

The protest, held under the slogan “Lootuvaifi Lootuvaifi”, began at 9:00 p.m. at Artificial Beach.

Tensions escalated when protesters attempted to move the rally onto Majeedhee Magu, sparking confrontations with police. Officers deployed heavy pepper spray to disperse participants, leaving several protesters injured.

In a statement posted on X, VP Hussain alleged that the opposition used the rally, under the guise of peaceful protest, to disrupt public peace and the security of the nation.

The Vice President described the protest as “cowardice” on the part of MDP’s leadership, accusing them of endangering participants by defying police orders.

He added that the protest was unconstitutional and unlawful, and represented “a failure of the very foundations” the party claims to uphold.

VP Hussain also extended his gratitude to police officers for their efforts to disperse the rally and safeguard civilians.

Police confirmed that approval was given for the rally to move through Ameenee Magu and Boduthakurufaanu Magu, not Majeedhee Magu.

They further reported that three officers sustained injuries while attempting to disperse the protest.

Meanwhile, MDP has rejected the government’s accusations, maintaining that police were the ones who breached the agreed-upon arrangements.

The party’s legal team cited a police statement issued two days prior, which alleged that MDP factions might attempt to cause disruptions during the rally.