Police silent on action against Shuaib over death threat

Police have faced criticism for not taking action against Shuaib Ali, who posted online that protesters at an MDP rally on Friday night “should be beaten down and shot.”

The post, which appeared on a Facebook page run by Shuaib, prompted public concern over whether equal legal standards are being applied.

The criticism comes amid reports that the police seized the phone of MDP National Assembly member Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya) over a social media post.

According to a Criminal Court order, Zaya’s phone was seized at 11:08 pm on Saturday to gather evidence in connection with comments she made about preparing pepper spray for a rally scheduled for 17 October. 

Screenshots of Shuaib’s post tagging police were widely circulated, with some members of the public questioning why legal action has not been taken against him and whether his statements constitute an act of terrorism.

Attempts by media outlets to obtain a response from the police have so far been unsuccessful, leaving the reasons for the lack of action unclear.