Ombudsperson denies probe request on president’s son

The Office of the Children’s Ombudsperson on Monday refuted claims by the Maldives Police Service that it requested a criminal investigation into alleged derogatory remarks made about President Mohamed Muizzu’s son during a recent protest by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Earlier on Monday, the police announced that they had launched a criminal investigation into the incident, in which senior MDP activist Mariyam Zubair made defaming comments about the President’s son, reportedly in reference to his use of vape.

According to the police, the case had been reported to them by the Office of the Children’s Ombudsperson.

However, in a statement released Monday evening, Children’s Ombudsperson Niumath Shafeeq clarified that no such request for a criminal probe had been made.

“When the video of the protest came to our attention, our office sent a letter to the police — not to request a criminal investigation, but to urge law enforcement to take necessary measures during such events to protect children's dignity and prevent the exposure of their personal information,” the statement read.

“The information about this office in the press release issued today by the police is not accurate."

Despite the ombudsperson’s clarification, the police continue to summon individuals in connection with the incident. Besides Mariyam Zubair, several others have reportedly been called in for questioning.

The Criminal Court has also issued an order for external body photographs to be taken of both Zubair and Ahmed Saleem, a National Assembly member from the MDP.