Fayyaz encouraged terrorism, serious investigation needed: Abdul Raheem

Opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has encouraged terrorism by defending the party's activist who called for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to be dealt with the same way as former President Mohamed Ameen, said Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla.

In a post published on X (formerly Twitter) Abdul Raheem said that Fayyaz's statements were clearly inciting terrorism and said relevant authorities must immediately investigate the matter.

“It should not be considered normal for a person in the highest position of the opposition political party to make such a statement,” he said.

Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan also responded to Fayyaz's statement, saying that Maldives is a country that ensures freedom of expression, but that it is a right to be exercised responsibly. The minister further said that those who have held senior positions of the government and leaders of political parties especially should set an example in these matters.

“It is very irresponsible to call for killings and violence against the laws,” the minister said.

The initial comments were made by an MDP activist, who was previously an active member of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), during an MDP meeting held in Kulhudhuffushi City. The meeting was in preparation for the party's upcoming 'Qaanoonu Asaaseege Dhifaaugai' [Defending the Constitution] event.

With criticism already aimed at the statement, claiming that it calls for the assassination of President Dr Muizzu, Fayyaz, in a press conference yesterday, said that "if the public are dealt with poorly, Ameen's fate must be replicated."

However, Fayyaz said that such a statement was made by the individual at a podium to counsel the president.

Former President Ameen's granddaughter and former High Commissioner to the UK during MDP's adminisation, Farahanaz Faisal said that killing someone outside the bounds of Islamic principles will never be acceptable to her. She also said that Islam does not allow lynching in any way.

President Ameen's regime came to an end on 30th August, 1953. Upon his return from Sri Lanka, members of the public, along with some leading political figures of the time, prevented Ameen from entering Malé, locked him up in Dhoonidhoo island, and overturned the government.

Four months later, Ameen succumbed to the horrific injuries inflicted on him after he was accused of attempting a coup. He was dragged onto a sports field, where he was brutally attacked by a mob.

Despite being severely injured, Ameen was taken to 'Bodu Bandeyrige' on a stretcher where the investigation of the alleged attempted coup was completed then and there at 04:00 pm. It was concluded that Ameen confessed to the allegation, and he was sentenced to a lifetime of banishment.

Ameen, still injured, was then banished to K. Gaafaru island. His condition continued to deteriorate and he was later taken to K. Vihamanaafushi (now Kurumba Maldives Resort). Some days later on 19th January 1954, Ameen passed away.