State Minister for Gender Aishath Zuhuruban has blamed young people who have been staging nightly protests in the streets of Male' for damaging "the whole country's social fabric."
Protesters are demanding accountability and a transparent investigation into the unexplained ninth-floor fall of a young woman.
Police believe Hawwa Yumnu, 21, fell from a window in the stairwell of Henveiru Fentenoy house on April 18. Raudh Ahmed, 21, who was with her at the time of the incident, left the scene and did not report to authorities.
In a Facebook post, Zuhuruban characterised the protesters as undisciplined.
"Genzers. Today, the social fabric of the whole country has been torn apart because of you. Being civilised is not about saying whatever you want at others without fully covering your body and doing things that are not allowed in Islamic society. It is also not living however you want. It is not taking whatever [drugs and alcohol] you can get and committing all vulgar sins," she wrote.
Her post also implied that the youth rallies are being held to encourage immoral acts. She added that being civilised is not about defaming institutions and insulting those who work in the defence of the country.
“We should also strive for justice, but let us strive for justice for those who have been deprived of their rights, let us stand against partying and immorality,” Zuhuruban stated.
Despite her remarks, protesters have not encouraged drug use or immorality. On Friday night, they demanded the resignations of Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen and Police Commissioner Ali Sujau to ensure a credible investigation.
The police have faced immense criticism over their response following Yumnu's fall. There have been accusations of a cover-up because the case involves relatives of wealthy and politically influential figures.
