The government on Thursday, stated that it remains fundamentally committed to upholding freedom of expression, following the suspension of Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN).
MDN was suspended after widespread controversy regarding its report 'Preliminary Assessment of Radicalization in the Maldives', after which the human rights NGO came under fire for contradicting fundamental tenets of Islam and slandering Prophet Mohamed (pbuh).
The NGO will remain suspended until Maldives Police Service concluded their investigation.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration urged those exercising their rights to refrain from contributing to public discord and enmity, and ensured its commitment to observing international treaties to which Maldives is party to, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
"Islam is one of the fundamental sources of our country’s democratic framework as well as a source of unity and peace within our community".
The government further iterated that maintenance of public order while ensuring the rights of citizens are the highest obligation of any government.
Moreover, Maldives condemned violent extremist ideologies that foment hatred and call for violence in defending religion.
They called upon parties "to exercise their rights in a manner that is respectful of each other and the sentiments of the wider Maldivian community", adding that the government "will not hesitate to use the full force of the law against those who do so".
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