Parliament debates emergency motion on Fayyaz's remarks
During the debate, PNC members condemned the remarks, emphasising the importance of investigating the matter.
Ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) on Tuesday moved an emergency motion in parliament over remarks by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairman Fayyaz Ismail, which were interpreted as encouraging public retaliation against the government.
At a recent rally in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi, a speaker referred to former President Mohamed Amin and suggested that recent government actions on tobacco regulation could lead to consequences similar to Amin’s historical fate.
Fayyaz later commented on Tuesday, “If you are unjust, others will be unjust. If there is cruelty, the people of the Maldives will act according to history.”
Milandhoo MP Hassan Mufeed Abdul Ghadir introduced the emergency motion, calling for an investigation into whether Fayyaz’s remarks violated the Maldives’ Terrorism Act. The motion stated:
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Encouraging an act of terrorism, directly or indirectly, is an offence under the Terrorism Act.
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If a person's words or statements promote terrorism, such acts are punishable under the law.
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The MDP's remarks aim to promote a political ideology, instill fear, and endanger lives, constituting an offence under the Act.
The motion urged authorities to investigate the remarks and take appropriate action.
The emergency motion was debated in the PNC-controlled parliament and passed with a majority of 44 votes. Eight MDP members voted against the motion, along with independent member Abdul Rahman.
During the debate, PNC members condemned the remarks, emphasising the importance of investigating the matter. They called for a thorough review to ensure that political rhetoric does not incite fear or violence among the public.
