Alif Alif Atoll Council Secretary General suspended

The Secretary General of Alif Alif Atoll Council has been suspended without a stated reason.

Mohamed Shafeeq, who also oversees the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) campaigns in the atoll, was suspended from his post on Monday.

According to the suspension letter issued to him, Shafeeq will remain suspended with pay until 17 September. The letter stated that an investigation was underway into a possible violation of the Civil Service Act, related rules, and the Code of Conduct. No further details were given.

Shafeeq told Atoll Times that he was informed of the suspension while at work and that the letter instructed him not to leave the office from that day. He said the reason for the suspension was not disclosed.

Shafeeq said he believed the decision was politically motivated. He added that although he holds different political views from the government, his political activities are carried out outside of official working hours.

“I am the most prominent person in the MDP campaigns. I have previously served as the president and as a member of the MDP AA. Atoll Council. But I do that work outside of official work. I post on social media outside working hours, so there is no reason to take action,” Shafeeq said.

Shafeeq has been in office since 2021. He has posted on social media criticising the government, including during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's visit to the atoll. It is not clear if the suspension is linked to those posts.