In a rare public statement, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has denounced recent unfounded allegations targeting her 16-year-old son, Umair Mohamed Muizzu. Addressing claims circulating on various media platforms that accuse Umair of vaping—a practice he has never engaged in—she expressed deep concern over the potential harm such rumors could inflict on his education and social well-being.
Highlighting the non-political status of her children, the First Lady emphasized that Umair, a minor under Maldivian law, has no involvement in the political decisions of his father, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. She also revealed that even their youngest child, aged eight, has been subjected to harassment, a development she finds particularly troubling.
The Maldives has been a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child since 1991, underscoring the nation’s commitment to safeguarding children from harm. The Child Rights Protection Act, ratified in 2019, further strengthens legal protections by prohibiting practices detrimental to children’s welfare, including child labor and exploitation.
The First Lady’s statement serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting all children from undue harm, especially those inadvertently thrust into the public eye due to their parents’ roles. Her call to uphold the nation’s child protection laws resonates beyond the presidential family, emphasizing a collective responsibility to ensure a safe environment for every child in the Maldives.
The press conference, held at Dhimyaath, the family home of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, featured the family’s legal representative, Uza. Azima Shakoor, who outlined forthcoming legal measures to address these defamatory actions. The First Lady clarified that these steps are personal initiatives aimed at safeguarding her children’s future, independent of government involvement.
As the Maldives continues to uphold its commitment to child rights, this incident highlights the ongoing need for vigilance against actions that threaten the well-being and dignity of minors.
