Calls for the assassination and public execution of Finance Minister Hassan Zareer during an opposition protest in Malé have triggered strong public condemnation, after demonstrators were heard chanting for the minister to be hanged.
The remarks were made during last night rally organized by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which had earlier stated that the gathering would remain peaceful and within the limits of the law. However, footage broadcast during Sanghu TV’s live coverage captured several participants making threats against the newly appointed finance minister.
Zareer was recently appointed as Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Unlike many political appointees, he is widely regarded as a technocrat and career professional, having built his reputation through years of experience in the financial and economic sectors rather than partisan politics.
In addition to the threats directed at Zareer, several protesters were also heard using derogatory language against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu throughout the demonstration.
The protest drew the participation of several senior opposition figures, including former President Mohamed Nasheed, former government officials, former Members of Parliament, and sitting MDP lawmakers who were seen at the forefront of the gathering.
The incident has raised concerns over the tone of political discourse, with many members of the public condemning calls for violence against a serving minister. Observers noted that political disagreements should be expressed through democratic means and that threats against public officials have no place in peaceful political activism.
While the MDP described the event as a peaceful protest, critics argued that the rhetoric heard during the gathering contradicted those assurances and crossed the line from political criticism into dangerous incitement.
