Maldives Police Service (MPS) has stated all individuals, expect one, who were arrested during the opposition rally on September 12 have been released with a fine.
MPS arrested 41 individuals for violating the health and safety guidelines of Health Protection Agency (HPA) by attempting to conduct a motorcycle rally in Male’ City. MPS revealed although all individuals were fined, no driving licences were withheld.
MPS had earlier warned legal action would be taken against individuals who violate the health and safety guidelines set amid the State of Public Health Emergency in the Maldives. Noting HPA has banned gatherings of more than 5 people, MPS called on the public to abide by the instructions of healthcare professionals in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives.
The opposition coalition, led by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) have conducted multiple gatherings across the country amid the State of Public Health Emergency. Following a rally held on August 28, PPM and PNC were handed a fine of USD 9,700, while senior officials of the two parties were also handed individual fines.
The fines were handed out after several individuals who took part in rally disregarded HPA guidelines, despite the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the capital. As such, several individuals went against the advice of wearing face masks and measures of social distancing.
The recent gatherings also violated the guidelines published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in July this year asking parties to hold political rallies only in Carnival area unless otherwise permitted.