MDP alleges political use of president's son in lawsuits
MDP referred to legal cases filed in two courts concerning remarks made by senior MDP activist Mariyam Zubair at a political rally.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has alleged that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s family is using the President’s son as a means to pursue politically motivated charges against opposition figures.
In a statement released on Friday, the MDP referred to legal cases filed in two courts concerning remarks made by senior MDP activist Mariyam Zubair at a political rally. The comments were allegedly linked to the President’s eldest son, Umair Mohamed Muizzu.
The cases include:
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A case filed in the Civil Court, alleging that the constitutional right to the protection of name and reputation was violated
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A case filed in the Family Court, claiming that the dignity and protection afforded to children under the Protection of Children’s Rights Act and relevant international conventions were compromised
Charges have been filed against Mariyam Zubair, MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, and the party itself.
In its statement, the MDP said that Zubair’s remarks did not mention any specific child by name and that audio and video recordings of the event would confirm this. The party also criticised state institutions for responding to Zubair’s comments while remaining silent on other issues of national concern.
The MDP’s statement also noted:
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The President’s son’s name was made public by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed’s lawyer, Aishath Azima Shakoor
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Sajidha provided details regarding her son in an interview with a Maldivian media outlet during the presidential campaign
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Two activists from the People’s National Front (PNF), led by former President Abdulla Yameen, have also been summoned by police on similar charges
The MDP said it intends to file a case against Sajidha Mohamed and Aishath Azima Shakoor with the relevant authorities, claiming that the President’s son was first identified by his own family members.
