MDP activist summoned over threatening social media post

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) activist Hussain Shafiu faces three charges over a social media post deemed offensive, according to his lawyer, Ibrahim Shiyan.

The charges were revealed during Shafiu's appearance at Henveiru police station on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters outside the police station, Shiyan outlined the accusations against Shafiu:

Shiyan criticised the vagueness of the allegations, raising questions about their validity.

"The biggest question we raised was, who is being accused? Who is being hurt?" he said.

According to the lawyer, the charges stem from Shafiu's post on X (formerly Twitter), which referred to "Kazzab." Shiyan claimed the police were unable to explain the identity of "Kazzab" or clarify how the post constituted a threat.

"The post was about a Kazzab. Who is Kazzab? The police could not tell him at all. The only thing the police say is that it is harmful to society," Shiyan said, arguing that this lack of specificity undermines the case.

When asked if any complaints were filed regarding the post from August 8, Shiyan confirmed that no formal complaints were lodged with the police.

Shafiu maintained that he had no knowledge of who "Kazzab" might be, suggesting the police's rhetoric implied a connection to a senior figure in the country.

“However, the rhetoric and rhetoric of the police [was] to suggest that Kazzab is a senior leader of this country,” Shafiu said.

Shiyan expressed hope that the investigation would provide clarity on the accusations and the identity of "Kazzab." He also criticised the lack of transparency in the charges and argued that the allegations lacked sufficient evidence to justify their seriousness.