Parliament’s Committee Revives Efforts to Repeal Freedom of Assembly Restrictions

The Parliament’s Security Services Committee has decided to reignite efforts on a bill aimed at repealing restrictions on freedom of assembly, during today’s committee meeting.

The committee’s chair, North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam, formally announced the decision to restart work on the bill and sought input from fellow committee members on the best course of action.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

During the committee meeting, Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Saleem voiced concern that the committee might have unfinished work without planning as the current parliamentary assembly’s term draws to a close next year.

Hulhumale’ MP Ali Niyaz proposed setting a deadline for the committee to complete its work, suggesting November 30 as the cutoff.

Saleem, however, expressed reservations about the proposed deadline and recommended moving it to October 31.

Niyaz concurred, withdrawing his previous suggestion, and the committee adopted Saleem’s proposed deadline with a majority vote.

The delay in passing the bill has raised concerns among several Members of Parliament and human rights organisations, including the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM). 

Notably, the bill to repeal the restriction on freedom of assembly was one of the electoral promises made by the outgoing Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration.

In 2016, during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, the Freedom of Assembly Act underwent an amendment prohibiting political rallies in the capital city without prior written permission from the police. 

Furthermore, the act stipulated that political rallies and gatherings could only be held at locations designated by the Home Ministry.

Notably, the Home Ministry has designated only one area, the Alimas Carnival area, for assemblies in the capital city of Male’.