MDP appeals court decision in Sajidha's defamation case

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has appealed the Civil Court’s decision to proceed with a defamation case filed by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed against MDP activist Mariyam Zubair.

The case relates to comments made by Zubair at an MDP rally, where she alleged that Umair Mohamed Muizzu, son of President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha, was involved in the government's move to ban vaping devices.

Sajidha filed a civil suit against Zubair, the MDP, and MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail, claiming that the remarks were defamatory. The MDP responded by filing procedural objections, arguing that the Civil Court did not have jurisdiction to hear the matter. However, the Civil Court ruled that it would hear the case and instructed the respondents to submit their responses to the charges.

According to the High Court registry, the appeal was filed last Tuesday. A decision has not yet been made on whether the appeal will be accepted.

Ahmed Mauroof, a lawyer representing the MDP, stated that the appeal challenges the Civil Court’s decision. He said the case relies on various legal provisions, including the Civil Procedure Code, the Child Protection Act, and sections of the Constitution, and questioned whether these issues could be addressed together in one case.

In addition to the Civil Court case, Sajidha has filed a separate case in the Family Court. In the Civil Court filing, she alleges that her constitutional right to protect her reputation was violated. In the Family Court case, she claims a violation of protections under the Children’s Rights Protection Act and relevant international conventions.

The MDP has said it will raise the matter with the appropriate authorities. The party maintains that Zubair did not refer to any specific child and that personal information regarding the President’s son was disclosed during a press conference held on behalf of Sajidha.