Dangerous New Escalation: MDP Condemns Use of LRADs and Indiscriminate Arrests

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) strongly condemns the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters in Malé on Friday night, and the indiscriminate arrests carried out by the Muizzu administration. Although 13 have been reported to be arrested, the Police has not verified the details of the arrests. Those arrested include two former Members of Parliament and the sitting President of Maafushi Council. Those under police detention have not yet had any access to lawyers.

In one shocking incident, MDP Constituency Vice President Mohamed Raslaan suffered a heart attack after being exposed to pepper spray at close range and subjected to Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs). The use of LRADs is unprecedented in the Maldives and poses serious risks of permanent hearing damage, dizziness, nausea, and other severe health impacts.

These events highlight the rapid erosion of democracy in the Maldives. Under President Muizzu, the government has increasingly resorted to authoritarian tactics—undermining judicial independence, silencing the media, and now deploying dangerous weapons against citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. This crackdown comes at a time when Maldivians are already grappling with a deepening economic crisis, rising debt, and growing discontent with the government.

The MDP calls for the immediate release of all those arrested and demands accountability for the use of excessive force. We urge the international community to act swiftly and pressure the Muizzu administration to end this brutality and uphold the democratic rights and freedoms of the Maldivian people.