MPs vote to restrict right to protest
MPs have passed a controversial bill restricting protests and gatherings to areas designated by the home ministry in the capital Malé City. Written permission is required from the police to gather anywhere else.
17 Aug 2016, 9:00 AM
The ruling-party dominated parliament passed today a controversial bill restricting protests and gatherings to areas designated by the home ministry in the capital Malé City.
Some 37 MPs voted in favour and 21 voted No.
MP Abdulla ‘Bochey’ Rifau proposed the amendment to the Freedom of Assembly Act, claiming protests were a “public nuisance” and put pedestrians at danger. The new bill would help security forces protect protesters as well, he claimed.
Protesters will require written permission from the police to gather in other areas.
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