The Maldivian government on Saturday said that a protest staged by the opposition overnight was largely peaceful.
The protest organised by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was held at the Artificial Beach of Male, Xinhua news agency reported.
The protesters called for the release of former president Mohamed Nasheed and other detainees, among other demands.
"The MDP had agreed with the Maldives Police Service and the Elections Commission, prior to the protest, to convene the protests in the most peaceful and lawful manner," the home affairs ministry said.
On Wednesday, the ministry had also informed the MDP that the protest should be contained within the Artificial Beach area.
