Amendment proposed to the Freedom of Assembly Act to repeal the clause that requires a prior permit before public assembly.

The President’s Office said that several restrictions on peaceful gatherings that had been enacted under the previous administration will be removed.

“These restrictions had previously given the government inordinate discretion in limiting public spaces for any political gathering, rally or march through a cumbersome process involving seeking permissions from the Police and Home Ministry, and was a power often abused to limit any activity by the then opposition.” The President’s Office said.

Once the amendment approved by the parliament, public assembly and protests can be held at anywhere in Male’ City.

It was right granted to the people when the Freedom of Assembly Act was initially formed. However, amendments were made to constricted the freedom during the Presidency of Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in 2016.