Male, Oct. 4 -- The Government of Maldives responded to the "Lootuvaifi, Lootuvaifi!" protests, which took place in the country on Friday night by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), reaffirming its commitment to uphold the democratic right to peaceful assembly. The Government stressed that the police action came in the wake of the participants defying the designated routes. The MDP has accused the government of police brutality as thousands of people had turned up on Friday night to participate in the Lootuvaifi protest against the policies of the Muizzu government, alleging widespread corruption and deteriorating living conditions.

The demonstration was joined by former Maldives President Ibrahim Solih and former Foreign M...