An opposition protest against the Rasmalé development project, held tonight at the Artificial Beach in Malé, drew only a small crowd.
The protest was held by opposition parties together, against the integrated real estate project being developed in Rasmalé by Abu Dhabi-based Eagle Hills.
It followed weeks of claims by opposition figures that the project would be used to settle Zionists in the Maldives, and that it would hand ownership of Maldivian land to foreigners. They also claimed the state’s sovereign powers would not apply to the Maldives Waterfront and Marina development.
Leaders of the campaign had said tonight’s protest would show the public’s clear opposition to the project.
However, only a small number of people gathered at the Artificial Beach. That’s far below the crowds usually seen when political parties call people out on popular issues.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed did not take part in the protest.
The government has submitted a bill to the People’s Majlis to regulate such projects. The bill includes provisions to make sure that no property in the Maldives, whether in such projects or elsewhere, can be bought by holders of Israeli passports, including those with dual citizenship.
The bill also bans the sale of alcohol and pork in these development areas, and prohibits any activities that go against Islam.
It also states that the Constitution and laws of the Maldives will apply in these areas, and that security and law enforcement there will be handled by Maldivian state security forces.
The campaign against the project is led by former Adhaalath Party president Sheikh Imran Abdulla. He had been living in Thailand until the Rasmalé project was announced.
Many political analysts believe Imran has lost public trust after making serious allegations against political rivals over the years without producing evidence to back them.
