The Local Government Authority (LGA) suspended several councilors, including Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodiq and Deputy Mayor Mohamed Ashraf, on Sunday.
The suspension notice was given to total 16 councilors of the islands Thulhaadhoo and Kamadhoo in Baa Atoll, Isdhoo in Laamu Atoll , Maamendhoo in Gaafu Alif Atoll and Addu City.
LGA issued notices to some of the councilors who called to follow through with the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on February 1 to release nine political detainees and 12 expelled parliamentarians. In the letters sent to the councils, LGA stated that the councils had issued press statements in violation of the rights and privileges accorded to them under the Decentralization Act.
The councilors were suspended for a month’s period without any pay or allowances. LGA further warned that should the councilors repeat such action, they would be taken to court.
Addu City's mayor, Sodiq, responded to the suspension on Monday morning, declaring that the state’s recent actions were unlawful and, despite the suspensions and lawsuit warnings, they would not hesitate to “speak the truth”.
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