Police probe ex-deputy minister over social media posts about setting fire to state institutions

Police have launched an investigation into social media posts by former Deputy Minister of Transport Hassan Zihaan, in which he referred to setting fire to the Supreme Court, the President's Office and Parliament.

Zihaan, who previously served in President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's administration, made the remarks on Facebook while sharing a news report about protests in Albania.

In the posts, Zihaan questioned why similar incidents could not take place at government institutions in the Maldives, suggesting that setting fire to the buildings would be entertaining.

He also shared an Al Jazeera report about protesters setting fire to Albania's Supreme Court during demonstrations against the government, accompanied by a question asking when similar events would occur in the Maldives.

Police confirmed that the statements had been reported and that the relevant circumstances were being examined.

"The matter has been reported, and we are looking into the aspects that require investigation," police said.

Zihaan has since deleted the original Facebook posts.

In a subsequent post, he said he had no intention of setting fire to any building and claimed his remarks were intended as a metaphor.

"I have no intention of setting fire to any place. I am merely clearing the way for the fires of hell," he wrote.

Zihaan also criticised older generations occupying positions in the Supreme Court, the President's Office and Parliament, accusing them of leaving the country in a state of decline.

"The boomers in the Supreme Court, the President's Office and Parliament have left a pile of burning rubbish for young millennials and Generation Z. The country has already been completely destroyed and reduced to ashes. All that remains for us is a small pile of ashes," he wrote.

Zihaan was dismissed from his position as Deputy Minister of Transport in 2024. Since his dismissal, he has frequently criticised the Muizzu administration.

Before his appointment to the government, Zihaan served as a First Lieutenant and naval architect in the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

He was removed from that position during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, after which he also became a critic of the previous government.

Police have not disclosed whether Zihaan has been questioned or whether any charges are being considered in connection with the posts.