We want to hold the protest where people can hear our message: MDP
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) plans to hold its upcoming protest on Majeedhee Magu in Malé, saying the location is necessary to ensure its message reaches a wider section of the public.
Speaking to reporters near police headquarters, former Defense Minister Ameen Faisal said the party intends to conduct the demonstration in the capital rather than on the city's outer ring road.
Faisal said the MDP considers the protest an exercise of its right to freedom of expression and wants to hold it within the boundaries of the law.
He argued that a demonstration on the outer ring road would largely limit the message to those participating, while Majeedhee Magu would provide greater public visibility.
We are hopeful that permission will be granted this time. In the past three instances, despite meeting with the MDP at the request of the police, permission was denied. However, there are indications that this time might be different. We will be sharing our proposed protest route with the police today, and we shall see how it proceeds,
said Ameen Faisal
The party is expected to submit its proposed route to police as authorities consider arrangements for the demonstration.
The MDP also clarified that the planned event is intended as a protest focused on specific political and public concerns rather than a conventional peaceful march.
Party officials said they do not believe another route would provide the same opportunity to communicate their message to the public.
The demonstration is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, at 8:30 p.m., beginning near the Social Centre in Malé.
The party's request comes after three previous instances in which it said police did not approve proposed protest arrangements.
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