Parliament seeks police probe over death threats on MP Shifau
Shifau said the amendment was not moved with the intention of removing the President from office, but said he wants to do it now.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
The parliament has filed a police complaint against death threats issued Ihavandhoo MP Mohamed Shifau.
Shifau had gotten death threats on Monday evening after he had said he would submit the case to the MDP's Parliamentary Group to remove President Mohammed Muizzu from office. The MDP, to which he belongs, issued a statement on Monday evening expressing concern.
On Tuesday, the Parliament strongly condemned the attack and issued a statement.
"The office has filed a complaint with the Maldives Police Service requesting the local Police to investigate the death threats made against Ihavandhoo MP Mohammed Shifau on social media," the parliamentary office said in a statement.
In addition, the statement said, the Ministry of Defense has been asked to ensure Shifau's safety and security.
The MDP also called on the police to investigate the alleged death threat. Their statement said:
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Strongly condemn the death threats to Honorable Members of Parliament in connection with their views and work in Parliament in the exercise of their constitutional and legal responsibilities
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One of the most sacred responsibilities of an opposition party in parliament is to hold the government accountable. The MDP is deeply concerned that MPs have become victims of death threats and such inhuman crimes
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Police and army have been called upon to ensure the safety of all MPs
Shifau proposed an amendment to the Rules of Procedure to allow the President to be removed from office by a vote of MDP members alone. The amendment was passed by the parliament on Monday. Speaking at the session, Shifau said the amendment was not moved with the intention of removing the President from office. However, he said he wants to do it now.
