High Court registers MDP appeal over Sajida's case

The High Court has accepted an appeal submitted by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) challenging a Civil Court decision to proceed with a defamation case filed by First Lady Sajida Mohamed.

The case involves remarks made by MDP activist Mariyam Zubair during an MDP rally, in which she referred to the ban on vaping devices in the Maldives and alleged a connection to President Mohamed Muizzu’s son, Umair Mohamed Muizzu. Sajida Mohamed filed a civil suit against Zubair, the MDP, and the party’s chairperson Fayyaz Ismail.

The MDP contested the Civil Court’s jurisdiction to hear the case and filed an appeal with the High Court. According to the High Court registry, the appeal was officially registered last week.

The MDP's argument centres on the rules governing compensation for damage caused by defamation. They claim the Civil Court cannot adjudicate the case as it was not brought by the individual directly affected—Umair—but by his mother. The Civil Court had earlier ruled that a parent could file such a case on behalf of a child, although the MDP argues that no legal provision supports this interpretation.

In addition to the civil case, Sajida Mohamed has also filed a separate case in the Family Court. The civil case claims a constitutional right to protect one’s name and reputation, while the Family Court filing alleges violations of protections afforded under the Children’s Rights Protection Act and relevant international conventions.

The MDP has stated that Zubair did not identify any specific child during her remarks and claims that personal information about Umair was disclosed during a press conference held on behalf of the First Lady. The party says it plans to raise the matter with relevant institutions.