Former President of the United Nations General Assembly and current opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid has expressed concern over what he described as the erosion of democratic rights and freedoms in the Maldives.
In a post shared on X to mark International Day of Democracy, Shahid said the country’s judiciary is no longer independent, and accused the People’s Majlis of being bent to the will of the President’s Office. He added that those who speak up face intimidation and harassment.
Shahid further criticized the proposed Content Regulation Bill, calling it a “dangerous” move that directly threatens Maldivians’ right to information. He said democracy dies “when the press is shackled, when critics are silenced, and when justice is politicized.”
Calling on international partners including the UN, EU, and Commonwealth, Shahid urged them to stand with the Maldivian people in defending democratic principles.
In a post shared on X to mark International Day of Democracy, Shahid said the country’s judiciary is no longer independent, and accused the People’s Majlis of being bent to the will of the President’s Office. He added that those who speak up face intimidation and harassment.
Shahid further criticized the proposed Content Regulation Bill, calling it a “dangerous” move that directly threatens Maldivians’ right to information. He said democracy dies “when the press is shackled, when critics are silenced, and when justice is politicized.”
On this #DemocracyDay, our hard earned democratic rights and freedoms are being eroded in plain sight.
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) September 15, 2025
In the #Maldives, the @judiciarymv is no longer independent, @mvpeoplesmajlis is bent to the will of @presidencymv, and those who speak up face intimidation and harassment.…
Calling on international partners including the UN, EU, and Commonwealth, Shahid urged them to stand with the Maldivian people in defending democratic principles.
