MDP activist appointed executive director of Tourism Ministry

Social media activist of ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Thoyyib Shaheem, was appointed as the Ministry of Tourism's Executive Director and started attending office on Monday.

Thoyyib is well-known for heavily criticising former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's politics during the previous administration. He faced repercussions from the then-opposition and government as well, in addition to being arrested in 2017 over accusations of fear-mongering and spread of false information.

However, the High Court ordered his release and Thoyyib migrated to Sri Lanka, where he was active on social media in criticising Yameen's administration.

Previously, there was also an issue of local telecom company, Dhiraagu, granting Maldives Police Service access to Thoyyib's SIM card. Dhiraagu stated that the company granted access due to a court order.

Although he is most critical of the previous administration, Thoyyib has expressed grievances on the current government on social media as well.