Falah Calls for Dismissal of MPs Confronting Police in Protests

Majority leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah has urged for constitutional and legal changes that would see parliamentarians lose their seats if they confront police during protests and face arrest.

Speaking at Monday’s parliamentary sitting, Falah said MPs who participate in such acts should not retain their positions. He referred to reports that Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir was observed entering a barricaded area during an opposition protest organised by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Friday night, where he allegedly interfered with police operations.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

“We need to revise the constitution and the parliamentary regulations. Even if someone is a member of the People’s Majlis, committing such a crime will result in losing their seat,” Falah told lawmakers.

The majority leader further alleged that the MDP’s protest had been staged with “ill intentions,” but expressed confidence in the ability of the Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to maintain order.

Police used pepper spray and a long-range acoustic device (ELRED), a sonic weapon emitting high-volume sound, to disperse protesters. Several individuals were arrested during the unrest.

In response, MDP parliamentarians have called for the immediate release of those detained, arguing that the right to protest must be safeguarded in a democratic society. They criticised the government for what they described as the excessive use of force by police against demonstrators.

A motion concerning the incident was introduced today by Galolhu Dhekunu MP Meekail Ahmed Nasym, but it was rejected by ruling party lawmakers.