Meekail Submits Bill to Repeal Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act
Protesters gather for ‘Lootuvaifi’ rally | Photo: MDP
Meekail Ahmed Nasym, the Member of Parliament for South Galolhu, has submitted a bill seeking to abolish the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act. The bill is set to be introduced during tomorrow’s sitting of Parliament.
In his letter to Parliament, opposition MP Meekail argued that Article 32 of the Maldivian Constitution guarantees every individual the right to peaceful assembly without requiring prior authorisation from the state. “The primary aim of presenting the bill is to give people the greatest chance to fully enjoy the freedoms protected by the Constitution,” Meekail stated.
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He further explained that the repeal would not compromise public order, noting that existing laws already provide the Maldives Police Service with adequate powers to ensure safety and security during public gatherings.
The Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act was initially passed under the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen. The then-opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) strongly opposed the legislation, organising several rallies and protests at the time. However, despite gaining a supermajority in Parliament following their 2019 election victory, the MDP did not move to amend or repeal the Act.
Tomorrow’s parliamentary agenda includes two key items — Meekail’s bill and a resolution calling for a nationwide ban on shark hunting and shark fishing. The latter proposal, sponsored by Mohamed Abbas, MP for Velidhoo, is expected to be discussed in line with the government’s recent decision to revisit its marine conservation policies.
The government last week published the regulation governing gulper shark fishing, authorising permits for a maximum of 40 vessels. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had earlier announced on 26 August, during a meeting with residents of HDh Kulhudhuffushi, that gulper shark fishing would be permitted from 1 November. The decision has drawn widespread concern from environmental groups and experts, with 60 local and international organisations and 50 scientists urging the government to halt plans to re-establish a gulper shark fishery.
