In a decisive move to protect her teenage son from politically charged allegations, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has initiated legal proceedings against key figures of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The action targets MDP activist Mariyam Zubair, party Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, and the MDP itself, following statements made during protests in March that Sajidha asserts have endangered her son’s well-being and future.
Represented by former Attorney General Aishath Azima Shakoor, Sajidha has filed cases in both the Civil and Family Courts. The lawsuits allege violations of constitutional rights, the Child Rights Protection Act, and the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasizing the need to protect children from defamatory political discourse.
Central to the controversy are claims suggesting that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s 16-year-old son, Umair Mohamed Muizzu, was involved in vaping, leading to the government’s subsequent ban on the practice. Sajidha has categorically denied these allegations, stating that her son has never engaged in such behavior.
“These unfounded accusations have not only tarnished my son’s reputation but have also posed a threat to his safety and academic pursuits,” Sajidha remarked. “As a mother, I am compelled to act to protect my children from such baseless and harmful narratives.”
The First Lady’s legal action underscores a broader concern about the politicization of family members, particularly minors, in the Maldives’ charged political climate. By taking this stand, Sajidha aims to set a precedent that shields children from becoming collateral damage in political disputes.
This legal confrontation adds another layer to the Maldives’ intricate political landscape, highlighting the delicate balance between political expression and the protection of individual rights. As the nation watches closely, the outcome of these proceedings may well influence the boundaries of political discourse and the safeguarding of personal dignity in public life.
