MP Mauroof, Zaya and six others charged over MDP rally

Criminal Charges have been filed against six members of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), including Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir and Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), the party’s president for North Hulhumale’ constituency and candidate for the constituency in the upcoming local council election, who participated in a mass anti-government rally held in Male’ on October 3.

MDP’s ‘Lootuvaifi’ anti-corruption rally kicked off with hundreds of protestors at 09:00 pm October 3 from the Artificial Beach in the Henveiru district of Male’. But as the protestors attempted to march along the Majeedhee Magu, the police accused them of diverting from the pre-approved route and blocked their path. Clashes ensued as protestors attempted to force their way through, with the police using pepper spray and sound cannons to control the crowd. Eight protestors were taken into custody from the demonstration, while at least three others were arrested in the ensuing days.

The Police, on Thursday, revealed they had sought charges against Mauroof, Zaya and Abdul Salam, a general member of the party.

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO, on Sunday, said charges have been filed in relation to the incident involving over the gathering in various areas of Malé in violation of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act, disrupting public transport, hindering police officers from discharging their duties, and defying police order.

Charges have also been filed against five additional persons apart from Mauroof, Zaya and Abdul Salaam, in connection with the case. They are:

• Mohamed Hamaaidh Abdul Ghanee
• Ali Naufal
• Aishath Najudha Ali
• Ali Muavviz
• Hussain Rasheed

PGO added that charges requested against seven individuals were not pursued due to insufficient evidence to sustain a conviction or because pursuing those specific charges did not serve the public interest.

Regarding the criteria for prosecuting protest-related cases, the PGO stated that its policy is to press charges when actions lead to personal injury, property damage, or create an imminent risk of such harm.

In response, the Maldivian Democratic Party described these legal measures as attempts to hinder their campaign for the upcoming Local Council Elections. The party also called the actions an intimidation tactic intended to suppress turnout for the major protest planned on March 21, which opposes the referendum on the electoral system.

In an official statement, the MDP condemned what it called "political charges" directed by President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration and affirmed that its members would not be intimidated by such measures.