A civil case has been filed against over the infringement of rights of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s son.
The incident in question occurred on 12 March when a member of the main opposition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) employed harmful and abusive language towards the President’s son while speaking during a demonstration. During the rally, Mariyam Zubair, who is also the mother of Galolhu South parliamentarian Mikaeel Mohamed Naseem, accused the President of banning vape products in the Maldives because his son was allegedly caught vaping. The President’s son has since faced a barrage of abuse and threats on social media.
The case was filed against Mariyam Zubair at the Civil Court by the President’s spouse and mother of his children, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.
In a statement, the lawyer representing the President’s family stated that MDP activist Mariyam Zubair’s remarks regarding the President’s son during the serial rallies held by the party have created a situation that endangers his life, and can cause harm to his education and future. Her allegations regarding the President’s son have violated the rights guaranteed to him by the Maldivian Constitution, Child Rights Protection Act, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Therefore, his mother, First Lady of the Maldives, is pursuing legal action against Mariyam Zubair, the statement confirmed.
Meanwhile, the MDP has been defending Mariyam Zubair’s actions. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former President of the United Nations General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid have spoken in Mariyam Zubair’s defence. According to Solih and Shahid, MDP’s actions are in defence of democracy.
Despite this, other political parties and leaders have been condemning Mariyam Zubair’s actions. Some have argued that MDP’s actions are creating a dangerous environment for children in the Maldives and have called for strict action against those responsible.