Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has voiced concerns over actions that criminalize criticism of the government, warning that such measures erode freedom of expression and democratic progress.
In a post on X, Solih described sending police or issuing warning letters to individuals and councils over social media posts as a troubling regression from the hard-won democratic freedoms in the Maldives.
He criticized the government’s approach to penalize dissent, calling it a worrying attempt to reinstate laws that criminalize criticism and enforce punitive measures.
Solih’s remarks follow the summoning of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) activist Hussain Shafiu by police over a social media post. Shafiu is accused of using vulgar and threatening language while criticizing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in a post about increased cigarette prices.
Shafiu’s post included disrespectful remarks about the President and ended with a statement that could be interpreted as a threat. This has led to accusations that criticizing the government is now being treated as a criminal offense.
Additionally, the Local Government Authority is investigating Mohamed Ahmed, President of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Council, for alleged defamation against the President.
