Freedom of Assembly

1018 Words5 Pages
Amendment 1 Freedom of Assembly (Jan 22, 2013) The office of Maldives' President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik announced on January 11, 2013, that he had signed the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Bill; the bill had been passed in the People's Majlis (the legislature) on December 25, 2012. (Press Release, The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives, President Ratifies Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Bill, (Jan. 11, 2013); Luke Powell, Ratification of Limits on Freedom of Assembly Won't Affect "Revolution": MDP, MINIVAN NEWS (Jan. 12, 2013).) The legislation outlaws demonstrations held outside private homes or government offices, in addition to limiting media coverage of protests. (Powell, supra.) In addition, it states that no public gatherings may be held within 200 feet of the presidential and vice-presidential residences, harbors with economic activity, airports, and tourist resorts. The distance restriction on protests applies to the President's office, the courts of law, and the legislature as government buildings as well as to mosques, schools, hospitals, and buildings with diplomatic offices. Furthermore, demonstrations cannot be held near private residences after 10 p.m. nor can demonstrators use loud speakers or similar equipment near schools and hospitals or near homes after 8 p.m. While prior permission is not required for protest gatherings, when they are planned in advance notice should be given to the local police. Article 7(a) of the new statute defines a gathering as more than one person "attending a public or private place temporarily and peacefully" with the objective of expressing their views. (Mariyath Mohamed, Parliament Passes Bill Redefining Limitations on Freedom of Assembly, MINIVAN NEWS (Dec. 26, 2012).) The bill had passed the legislature despite considerable opposition from some members and criticism from non-governmental organizations

More about Freedom of Assembly

Open Document