Maldives Police Service (MPS) has called on the public to use the freedom of assembly granted by law responsibly, as the number of individuals infected with COVID-19 continues to rise in the Maldives.
In a press statement, MPS noted the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued an order to stop all gatherings until August 7, as parts of efforts to control the COVID-19 outbreak in the Maldives. However, MPS stated gatherings and protests are being held in Male' City with no safety measures and no regards to the instructions given by HPA on physical distancing. Noting COVID-19 cases are on the rise, with several police officers also testing positive for the virus, MPS urged the public to follow the instructions given by health authorities in order to control the outbreak.
In the statement, MPS called on the public to use the freedom of assembly granted by law responsibly, within the limits set under the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act. MPS also urged journalists covering the protests to always carry the pass issued by the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) under the regulations on accrediting journalists covering gatherings. MPS stated police media officials will be active in the scene to facilitate journalists, adding any difficulty in covering a gathering or protest can be resolved by contacting the police media.
MPS issued a statement regarding gatherings at a time the opposition coalition has commenced daily protests against the government.