Maldives Protest: What Happened Last Night?

On the night of May 13, 2026, Maldivian police in Malé used batons and shields against hundreds of peaceful protesters demanding the release of two jailed journalists. The march, led by former President Mohamed Nasheed and organized by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), was the most direct confrontation between the government and opposition in months. At least 10 protesters were arrested, and multiple journalists covering the event were physically assaulted.

This article lays out what happened that night, the events that led to it, and what it means if you’re planning a trip to the Maldives. The country’s image as a tropical paradise has always coexisted with a complicated political reality — and that reality has become harder to ignore.

The Trigger: Two Journalists in Jail

The Maldives has been a multiparty democracy since 2008, but in April and May 2026 the government took steps that critics call a sharp reversal. Police raided the office of the independent news outlet Adhadhu on April 27, seizing equipment and imposing travel bans on staff. Weeks later, two Adhadhu journalists were sentenced to jail. Mohamed Shahzan received 15 days for asking President Mohamed Muizzu a question at a press conference. Leevan Ali Naseer was sentenced to 10 days for reporting on a court gag order. These are the first journalist imprisonments in the Maldives since the return of democracy, according to reporting from Maldives Voice.

The Adhadhu raid and the jailings drew immediate condemnation from press freedom groups. The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) called the sentences a direct attack on media independence. For many Maldivians, the arrests crossed a line. The protest on May 13 was the result.

What Happened on May 13

So what actually unfolded on the night of May 13? Hundreds of MDP supporters gathered near the artificial beach area in Malé, carrying small national flags — not party flags, a detail noted by Maldives Independent. The crowd then moved to Majeedhee Magu, the capital’s main thoroughfare, where they faced a heavy police presence.

Police had barricaded roads and deployed a large number of officers. According to Maldives Voice, at least 10 MDP supporters were arrested, including social activist Lucas Jalyl. The police aggression extended to journalists covering the event. Raajje TV Deputy Editor Mahthoom reported that officers repeatedly pushed and blocked cameramen and journalists who were following instructions. Journalist Mary Ismail described a Special Operations officer attacking her with a police shield while she showed her press card multiple times. Her cameraman was also assaulted and prevented from working.

The protest also drew a counter-demonstration from the People’s National Front (PNF), who brought a “L Sofa” prop made famous by the Adhadhu documentary Aisha. A physical tussle broke out when police tried to confiscate the sofa from protesters. The MJA later strongly condemned the police attacks on journalists and demanded a full investigation.

A Familiar Pattern: The October 2025 Protest

The May 13 crackdown wasn’t an isolated incident. On October 3, 2025, police used far more aggressive tactics against a peaceful protest in Malé. According to a joint statement from FORUM-ASIA and 30 human rights organizations, police deployed Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) — sonic weapons originally developed for military use — to disperse the crowd. The LRADs were used to drown out speakers and suppress dissent. In a densely populated city like Malé, close-range LRAD deployment posed serious risks to protesters and nearby residents, including children and the elderly.

Police also used indiscriminate pepper spray against protesters and journalists. One protester suffered a cardiac emergency after close-range pepper spray exposure and remained under medical care. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital stated on October 4, 2025, that while no scientific evidence directly links pepper spray to heart attacks, exposure can trigger stress, anxiety, or physical exertion that aggravates underlying conditions. The incident underscored the unpredictable physiological risks of chemical irritants in confined environments.

The October protest was preceded by what FORUM-ASIA described as an intimidating show of force by the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), including armed vehicle deployments and vessel searches. Police obstructed the demonstration from the outset by dictating the route and then blocking the march entirely with barricades and an overwhelming riot police presence. At least eight protesters were arrested and detained. The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) announced an investigation into the October 3 crackdown, urging a thorough, independent, and transparent inquiry free from political interference.

Why Maldivians Are Protesting

To understand the frustration driving these protests, it helps to listen to the people who showed up. In interviews published by Maldives Independent, protesters at the October 2025 Friday night gathering — estimated at 2,500 people — described an economy in decline and a government they felt had abandoned its promises.

A 69-year-old businessman from Malé said his food-related business revenue had dropped significantly while his rent stood at MVR 89,000 (roughly US$5,770), with total business rent exceeding MVR 100,000. Income was decreasing while the cost of living became unaffordable. A 32-year-old flight attendant from Malé said she joined the protest out of dissatisfaction with government operations and the need for change, acknowledging that corruption exists in all parties but had exceeded limits requiring reform.

Shaadhin Shareef, a 29-year-old civil servant, said his salary was decreasing, not increasing, and that political appointees were bypassing merit-based promotions — he had stayed at the same level for 6-7 years while others advanced through political connections. Mohamed Shiraz, a 37-year-old private businessman from Hulhumalé, described the period as the worst economic period he had ever experienced, blaming top-heavy government with no economic productivity and accusing anti-corruption bodies of failure. He claimed the “whole country sold to a hundred people” and noted thousands of applicants per job announcement, with youth unable to find blue or white collar work.

Mohamed Shaffaz, a 42-year-old businessman, said his average revenue had dropped from MVR 7,000-8,000 to MVR 2,000. He noted that customers were switching from Lavazza coffee to Nescafé due to reduced disposable income — a small detail that captures the broader economic squeeze. These voices point to a protest movement rooted not just in political opposition but in genuine economic hardship.

What This Means for Travelers

If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives, here’s what you need to know. The protests have been concentrated in the capital Malé — specifically around the artificial beach area and Majeedhee Magu — which is distinct from the resort islands where the vast majority of tourists stay. Most visitors fly directly to their resort via seaplane or speedboat and never pass through Malé beyond the airport. The political unrest has not, as of the reporting available, affected resort operations.

For travelers who want to understand the country beyond the resort experience, the Maldives has a rich and complicated political story. Our guide to sustainable tourism in the Maldives touches on how local communities and politics intersect with tourism, and our food guide to Maldivian cuisine offers a way to connect with local culture that stays well clear of political flashpoints.

Before You Go: Protests and Your Maldives Visit

Is it safe to travel to the Maldives right now?

Yes, for the vast majority of visitors. Protests have been confined to specific areas in Malé and have not disrupted resort islands or airport operations. The risk is low for travelers staying on resort islands, but if you plan to spend time in the capital, stay informed and avoid large gatherings.

Will protests affect my resort stay?

No — resorts operate independently of Malé’s political events. Your seaplane or speedboat transfer goes directly from the airport to your resort, bypassing the capital entirely. Resort staff are also unlikely to discuss political matters with guests.

How can I stay informed while in the Maldives?

Local English-language news outlets like Maldives Voice and Maldives Independent cover protest activity. Your resort may also have basic wifi for checking headlines. Avoid sharing political content on social media while in the country — the government has a record of monitoring online speech.

What should I avoid?

Avoid the artificial beach area and Majeedhee Magu in Malé, especially on Friday evenings. Don’t photograph police or military personnel, and don’t participate in or approach any protest gathering. If you’re a journalist or activist, be aware that the government has specifically targeted media workers.

Closing

The May 13 protest was a direct response to a government crackdown on independent media and dissent — but the anger behind it has been building for years, fueled by an economy that isn’t delivering for ordinary Maldivians. For travelers, the Maldives remains a spectacular destination, but it’s also a real country with real political tensions. Understanding that context makes a visit richer, not less appealing. If you’re planning a trip, our Maldives adventure guide covers the experiences that make these islands unforgettable — just keep an eye on the news before you go.

References

Maldives Voice. “Police Brutally Crack Down on Peaceful Protesters and Journalists.” Maldives Voice, 14 May 2026. ↗

FORUM-ASIA. “Maldives: Sonic Weapons Used Against Protestors — Joint Statement.” FORUM-ASIA, October 2025. ↗

Maldives Independent. “‘We Were Forced to Come Out’ — Voices from the MDP Protest.” Maldives Independent, 5 October 2025. ↗

For more on the Maldives beyond the headlines, check out our guide to Rasdhoo, a hidden gem in the Maldives, or our overview of eco-friendly practices at Maldivian resorts for a look at how the country balances tourism with local life.