In a decisive address to Parliament today, Home Minister Ali Ihusaan issued a stern warning to perpetrators using fake social media accounts to spread threats, declaring that the government will take the toughest possible action against individuals who use online platforms to issue death threats or incite harm.
Minister Ihusaan expressed deep concern over the growing trend of anonymous threats in the digital space, describing it as a serious menace to national harmony and individual safety. “This is a dangerous escalation. We are seeing an alarming rise in fake accounts being used to terrorize people—this cannot continue unchecked,” he stated.
He emphasized that every citizen deserves to live without fear and affirmed the government’s commitment to protect all Maldivians. “Whenever a citizen receives a death threat, we immediately launch an investigation, assess the threat level, and take necessary protective measures. We do not take these threats lightly,” said the Minister.
Highlighting the difficulties of tracking down digital offenders, Minister Ihusaan acknowledged the challenges in tracing the origin of fake accounts. “It takes mere seconds to create a fake profile—but we are working tirelessly with local and international platforms to hold these cowards accountable,” he said.
In a sharp rebuke to those hiding behind the veil of anonymity, Ihusaan cautioned, “The day we identify the person behind such threats, that will also be the day they face the full force of the law. That person will no longer be able to hide behind the excuse of ‘freedom of expression.’”
He reiterated that the issue was not just about digital mischief but about real-world consequences. “We must draw a clear line. Joking about taking a life is not a joke—it is a crime.”
Responding to a specific question on threats against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his family, Minister Ihusaan clarified that while the Ministry of Defense oversees the President’s direct security, the Home Ministry works closely with police to conduct thorough investigations and coordinate protection efforts in conjunction with the military.
“This is a matter of national security. All state institutions act in unison when threats target the highest office of the nation,” he stressed.
With his strong words echoing throughout the chamber, Ihusaan made it clear: the days of impunity for anonymous online threats are coming to an end. The government, he assured, will pursue these cases relentlessly—and those responsible will face the harshest consequences.
