Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said First Lady Sajida Mohamed filed charges against opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and activist Mariyam Zubair (Mandhy) to silence the party for political reasons.
Sajida did not seek compensation in the cases filed at the civil and family courts. It demanded that Fayyaz apologise over remarks allegedly made by Mandhy and another activist, Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem).
In a post on X last night, Solih described the lawsuits as a "cowardly act" to "silence the party for political reasons." He added that the MDP would not back down.
"This is not new to the MDP and we will not back down from such a thing. We are united, strong and the MDP will continue its work for the sake of the people," Solih said.
Sajidha's lawsuits sought four remedies:
- To rule that the alleged remarks by Mandhy and Maaz Saleem have deprived her son, Umair Mohamed Muizzu, of his right to protect his name and reputation guaranteed by the Constitution, laws and international conventions.
- To rule that Sajida is entitled to compensation for the damage caused and believed to be caused to Umair Mohamed Muizzu by the alleged statements made by Mandhy and Maaz Saleem.
- To rule that Fayyaz Ismail should be held responsible for the alleged statements made by Mandhy and Maaz Saleem, as he is the Chairperson of MDP.
- To order Fayyaz Ismail to apologise publicly for the outcome of the alleged remarks made by Mandhy and Maaz Saleem.
The lawsuit is linked to statements by the activists over rumours that the sudden vape ban in 2024 was enforced after the President's son was caught vaping.
