In a significant move prioritizing child welfare, the Civil Court has declined a request to publicly broadcast the defamation lawsuit hearings initiated by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed. The case centers on allegations made by Mariyam Zubair, known as Mandhy, a senior activist of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), concerning the First Lady’s son and the national vape ban.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed filed defamation lawsuits last month against Mariyam Zubair (Mandhy), the MDP, and its chairperson, Fayyaz Ismail, following Mandhy’s public comments linking the President’s child to the vape ban. As the hearings commenced, the First Lady’s legal team submitted two procedural requests: to consolidate the lawsuits for a unified hearing and to have the proceedings broadcast live on television to ensure transparency.
However, Judge Faisal Adam ruled against the livestreaming request, citing the paramount importance of safeguarding the interests of the minor involved. The court emphasized that public broadcasting of the hearings could potentially expose the child to psychological harm, stating that such exposure is not in the child’s best interest.
This decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting minors from undue public scrutiny, especially in cases where their well-being could be compromised. While the First Lady’s legal team advocated for transparency through public broadcasts, the court maintained that the child’s welfare takes precedence over public interest in this context.
The Civil Court’s stance reflects a broader commitment to upholding the rights and protection of minors within the legal system, ensuring that legal proceedings do not inadvertently cause harm to children involved.
