Speaker rejects emergency motion on alleged neglect of detained protesters

Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla has decided not to allow the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to file an emergency motion alleging neglect of protesters detained earlier this month, stating that the motion “is not based on facts.”

The emergency motion, submitted by MDP Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir during today’s sitting, alleged that six individuals arrested on October 3 were physically injured, denied medical treatment, and subjected to violations of their basic rights. The motion claimed that even those suffering from long-term illnesses were refused care and that their treatment was being “deliberately delayed.”

Speaker Abdul Raheem, however, said that the motion did not meet the procedural requirements for an emergency case. He noted that parliamentary regulations require such motions to be supported by verified facts, which the member submitting the motion had failed to demonstrate.

MP Mauroof raised a point of order, arguing that the rules do not require members to provide evidence when submitting an emergency motion. In response, Speaker Abdul Raheem maintained that his decision was in accordance with parliamentary procedure.