using tear gas where both public and police personnel were injured62. In this
series of demonstrations MPS had placed restrictions and used force to disperse
them, arresting journalists, imposing limitations and restrictions on media
coverage. These protests had appeared in the Washington Post on the list of
“Biggest protests and crackdowns of the decade”63 (May 2011).
b) On December 23rd, 2010, parents from Arabiyya School gathered in front of
President’s Office protesting the issue of relocating the construction of a new
school building. On demanding to meet with the President, Political Advisor of
the President met with the representatives of the parents. Even after the
meeting, the parents were not willing to leave the area without meeting the
President, and the parents referred to a similar incident where President met
with the protesting sports persons who assembled in front of Presidential
residence and how the issue was resolved peacefully. However, that this
dismissed using force, including pepper spray.64
c) On July 14th, 2010, according to Minivan News, some reporters claimed that
during the MDP led demonstrations calling for Mr. Abdulla Yameen Abdul
Gayoom’s (Member of Parliament) and Mr. Gasim Ibrahim's (Member of
Parliament) arrest, the MNDF and MPS beat the gathered protestors with their
batons. MPS spokesperson reported that nine police officers and six civilians were
injured during the riots.65
152. Series of demonstrations held from January 16 to February 6, 2012 following the
unlawful arrest of Chief Judge of Criminal Court were monitored by HRCM. The following
highlights the observations of HRCM.
b) Disproportionate and unnecessary force was used by Police when dispersing
demonstrations.
c) Police allowed some politicians to influence the decisions Police during
demonstrations.
d) Some detained demonstrators were tortured at the time of arrest, and this was
validated by visible signs on their body observed by HRCM officials.
e) Police obstructed the work of media persons during demonstrations and in the
process some sustained injuries.
Chapter: Article 21: Freedom of Assembly
a) Use of force by Police was found to be inconsistent and especially discriminatory
towards some political parties.
58