The Civil Court has ruled that the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and its Chairperson, Fayyaz Ismail, cannot be ordered to apologize publicly for allegedly speaking against the first couple's son, Umair Mohamed Muizzu.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed sued the MDP, Fayyaz and activist Maryam Zubair (Mandhy) and wanted three remedies.
She sought to declare that Umair had been deprived of his right against defamation guaranteed by the Constitution, laws and international treaties. She also wanted the court to rule that she was entitled to compensation.
Additionally, she requested the court to hold Fayyaz responsible for the remarks and order him to apologize publicly.
The civil court ruled in absentia that there was no basis that the MDP and Fayyaz could be held responsible for the remarks and could not be ordered to apologize publicly.
However, the court ruled that Sajida was entitled to press defamation charges and seek compensation.
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 decided to proceed with the case.
Mandhy was the first to be accused of speaking about the first couple's son 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 Sajidha's attorney, Azima Shukoor.
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.
