The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has submitted a bill to Parliament seeking to repeal the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act, which restricts the right to hold gatherings without prior state permission.
The bill was proposed by South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who stated that every citizen has the constitutional right to peacefully assemble without seeking prior approval. He said the Act currently limits this fundamental freedom, and repealing it would ensure that people can fully exercise their constitutional rights.
MP Meekail added that the law is unnecessary, as existing legislation already grants the police sufficient authority to maintain public safety and order.
The law was originally passed during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen, banning gatherings without prior permission. Although the MDP has been in government since then, the law has not been repealed.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, while in opposition, also supported the right to peaceful assembly, stating that people should be allowed to gather freely as long as their slogans do not contradict Islamic principles. The government’s legislative agenda includes repealing the law, but no action has yet been taken.
The bill was proposed by South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who stated that every citizen has the constitutional right to peacefully assemble without seeking prior approval. He said the Act currently limits this fundamental freedom, and repealing it would ensure that people can fully exercise their constitutional rights.
MP Meekail added that the law is unnecessary, as existing legislation already grants the police sufficient authority to maintain public safety and order.
The law was originally passed during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen, banning gatherings without prior permission. Although the MDP has been in government since then, the law has not been repealed.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, while in opposition, also supported the right to peaceful assembly, stating that people should be allowed to gather freely as long as their slogans do not contradict Islamic principles. The government’s legislative agenda includes repealing the law, but no action has yet been taken.
