During a press conference held at the Presidential Office today, Presidential Spokesperson Heena Waleed announced plans for an amendment to the Right to Assembly Act, signaling the government's commitment to ensuring the protection of constitutional freedoms while maintaining public order.
Chief Spokesperson Heena emphasized the government's intention to revise the existing legislation within the parameters outlined by the Constitution, aiming to strike a balance between upholding the fundamental right to assembly and safeguarding public safety. The proposed amendment will be presented for consideration during the upcoming 20th parliamentary session, scheduled to commence in May.
The announcement comes in response to ongoing discussions surrounding the Freedom of Assembly Act, which underwent amendments during the administration of former President Yameen. Initially, these changes allowed for demonstrations to take place in designated areas, including the capital's carnival area. However, subsequent attempts to expand the right to assembly without prior notice were halted in committee shortly after the conclusion of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)-majority parliament.
Chief Spokesperson Heena emphasized the government's intention to revise the existing legislation within the parameters outlined by the Constitution, aiming to strike a balance between upholding the fundamental right to assembly and safeguarding public safety. The proposed amendment will be presented for consideration during the upcoming 20th parliamentary session, scheduled to commence in May.
The announcement comes in response to ongoing discussions surrounding the Freedom of Assembly Act, which underwent amendments during the administration of former President Yameen. Initially, these changes allowed for demonstrations to take place in designated areas, including the capital's carnival area. However, subsequent attempts to expand the right to assembly without prior notice were halted in committee shortly after the conclusion of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)-majority parliament.
