The Family Court has ruled that the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail should be held responsible for the defamation of the first couple's son Umair Mohamed Muizzu, at a party gathering.
President Mohamed Muizzu's wife Sajidha Mohamed sued MDP, Fayyaz and activist Mariyam Zubair (Mandhy) over the remarks. MDP and Fayyaz had a joint hearing, while Mandhy's hearings were held separately.
The court ruled that Mandhy had infringed on Umair's dignity. The court also decided that a separate case can be submitted to seek compensation.
Sajidha's petition also sought an order on the police and parliament to investigate Mandhy's remarks about Umair. But the court ruled that no such order could be issued.
In the case against Fayyaz and MDP, the court ruled that Fayyaz should be held responsible for the remarks as the party leader. The court also ruled that the MDP should be held responsible for the remarks.
The court also decided that a separate case can be submitted to seek compensation from Fayyaz and MDP.
Sajidha lodged the case at the Civil Court as well. The court ruled that she was entitled to sue for damages.
But the court said MDP and Fayyaz cannot be held responsible for the remarks and that they could not be ordered to apologise publicly.
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.
