The husband of a woman who performed a welcoming song for former President Mohamed Nasheed during his visit to Gaaf Alif Maamendhoo was suspended from his position at the state fisheries company today.
His suspension occurred alongside six others who went to the airport to greet Nasheed, bringing the total number of individuals dismissed or suspended from their jobs for political reasons this week to 11.
The performer, a supporter of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in Maamendhoo, sang "Jawahirekey, Nasheedhey Thee" (You are a Gem, Nasheed) to welcome the former president yesterday. A video of her performance went viral on social media.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Zuhair, Director of the Maldives Transportation Safety Board, was dismissed from his post after taking a photo with Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe), the MP-elect for the Hithadhoo North constituency.
A WAMCO employee was also terminated for allegedly campaigning for Sodiq. Furthermore, two other employees from the same company were dismissed after protesting the illegal withholding of their pension contributions.
Additionally, the government has reportedly intimidated individuals who turned out to welcome Nasheed in Gaaf Dhaal Fiyoaree.
"Orders are coming from Male' telling the council and the people of Fiyoaree that they must not come out to welcome us. Despite this, the people of Fiyoaree still came out. When they did, government officials on the island were forcing those gathered at the beach back into their homes," Nasheed said.
Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail also condemned the government for using employment as a tool for intimidation.
"It is deeply concerning that the Muizzu administration, which does not respect democratic principles, is dismissing employees for participating in Sobe’s campaign. Furthermore, this oppressive government has ordered the dismissal of two WAMCO employees simply for speaking up to claim their rights regarding unpaid pension funds," Fayyaz stated.
