Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid has condemned the legal action taken against MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and other party members, calling it a government-led attempt to intimidate the opposition and suppress freedom of expression.
The remarks come after First Lady Sajidha Mohamed filed defamation lawsuits against MDP Chairperson Fayyaz, MDP member Maryam Zubair (commonly known as Mandhi), and the party itself. The suits allege that defamatory comments were made against a member of her family — reportedly the President’s son — during MDP rallies held in Ramadan.
According to lawyer Azima Shakoor, who represents the First Lady, the first defamation case was submitted to the Civil Court, and an additional case was lodged with the Family Court on Sunday.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Shahid accused the administration of using legal tools to clamp down on opposition voices.
"The government is trying to restrict the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution by filing charges against the MDP, its Chairperson, and other prominent figures under various pretexts," Shahid said. "You can't turn back the MDP army with a lawsuit or a summons."
The MDP maintains that no specific individual was named during its political events and denies that any remarks were made that could constitute defamation.
The lawsuits are being widely viewed within the MDP as politically motivated, raising concerns over increasing pressure on opposition voices under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration.
The remarks come after First Lady Sajidha Mohamed filed defamation lawsuits against MDP Chairperson Fayyaz, MDP member Maryam Zubair (commonly known as Mandhi), and the party itself. The suits allege that defamatory comments were made against a member of her family — reportedly the President’s son — during MDP rallies held in Ramadan.
According to lawyer Azima Shakoor, who represents the First Lady, the first defamation case was submitted to the Civil Court, and an additional case was lodged with the Family Court on Sunday.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Shahid accused the administration of using legal tools to clamp down on opposition voices.
"The government is trying to restrict the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution by filing charges against the MDP, its Chairperson, and other prominent figures under various pretexts," Shahid said. "You can't turn back the MDP army with a lawsuit or a summons."
The MDP maintains that no specific individual was named during its political events and denies that any remarks were made that could constitute defamation.
The lawsuits are being widely viewed within the MDP as politically motivated, raising concerns over increasing pressure on opposition voices under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration.
