Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) social media activist Hussain Shafiu (Thuhthu) was summoned to Police today for questioning regarding charges of issuing threats against a person.
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) social media activist Hussain Shafiu (Thuhthu) was summoned to Police today for questioning regarding charges of issuing threats against a person.
Shafiu spent about an hour at the Henveiru Police Station under questioning. Once he exited the Police Station, his lawyers informed media that three separate charges are being raised against him.
These are threatening to cause injury, creating fear of death or injury, and publishing and displaying material containing profanity.
Shafiu has now published his statement to the police on social media platform X.
In his statement, he denied the charges being raised against him. He claims that the post was not directed at a particular individual, and that it was not a post that would lead to creating fear.
"CharlieThuhthu is the handle I use on X. There is nothing more for me to say. I will remain silent from now," the statement reads.
With him being summoned to Police, leaders and members of MDP held a demonstration in front of the Police Station.
The post in question is one he made on November 8, in which Shafiu was speaking against the price increase of cigarettes. In the post, he used disrespectful language to speak of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, and said he had had to purchase a pack of cigarettes for MVR 270. He ended the post with 'don't let me see you on a street'.
Following the summons being sent to Shafiu, MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail stated that criticizing the government has now become a crime. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also stated that criminalizing criticism of the government takes away freedom of expression, and is a worrying step backwards.
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