The Civil Court has decided to hear the defamation case filed by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed over alleged remarks made against her son.
She has sued the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), its chairman Fayyaz Ismail and activist Maryam Zubair (Mandhy).
Fayyaz and MDP said the court cannot proceed with the case because the lawsuit does not state what was done as an act of defamation.
Mandhy said procedures were not followed in filing the lawsuit and the Civil Court does not have jurisdiction to hear cases that could affect children's rights.
But the court decided in favour of Sajidha and gave the MDP, Fayyaz and Mandhy 28 days to submit their defence.
Mandhy was the first to be accused of speaking about the first couple's son, Umeir Mohamed Muizzu, during an MDP gathering.
However, Mandhy did not name any of the first couple's children during her remarks about the sudden vape ban imposed in late 2024.
Umeir's name was first mentioned during a press conference by Azima on behalf of Sajidha.
MDP has accused Sajidha of trying to silence the opposition. Mandhy and another MDP member were summoned to the police over the case. Two members of the opposition People's National Front (PNF) were also summoned.
Sajidha also filed a case in the Family Court. The hearings have now begun.
