First Lady Sajidha Mohamed's lawsuit against opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) activist Mariyam Zubair (Mandhy) began at the Family Court today.
Sajidha sued Mandhy under the Child Rights Protection Act for accusing her son, Umeir Mohamed Muizzu, of vaping.
Mandhy's lawyer Ibrahim Shiyam told Adhadhu that the complainant was allowed to present the case today.
The court scheduled a hearing for May 15 to present Mandhy's defense and present evidence and witnesses.
At today’s hearing, Shiyam questioned whether the Family Court had jurisdiction to hear the case.
After the hearing, Mandhy told reporters that if a first lady files a case against an ordinary citizen, it will be very difficult for that citizen to get justice.
The decision to file a lawsuit was announced by the first family's lawyer Azima Shukoor at a press conference on March 16.
Sajidha has previously insisted that the first couple's eldest son has never smoked cigarettes or vapes.
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.
