First Lady sues MDP and Fayyaz as well

First Lady of Maldives Sajidha Mohamed has named opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and its chairperson, Fayyaz Ismail in a lawsuit against MDP activist Mariyam Zubair, who allegedly made specific remarks about one of the first children, during a series of protests organised by the party.

In a statement, the law firm owned by former Attorney General Azima Shakoor, representing the President’s family, said that the remarks attributed to the President's son, Umair Mohamed Muizzu, have created situations that may endanger the first son physically or threaten his life. The situation may also negatively impact his studies and future significantly, the statement read.

The statement said the remarks violated the protection and dignity guaranteed by the Children's Rights Act and the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Umair's mother, First Lady Sajidha, had previously filed a case at the Civil Court against Mariyam for violating her son's constitutional right to protect his name and reputation. A lawsuit was also filed with the Family Court against Mariyam.

Azima's lawfirm said in a statement that MDP and Fayyaz are being sued for defamation and that the case has now been filed in the Civil Court. They also said that both the party and Fayyaz's case has also been filed with the family court for depriving Umair of his rights.

Earlier, the first family's lawyers said MDP was being sued because the party had not tried to stop the remarks made against Umair at a rally held by the party. Instead of condemning the allegations, Fayyaz had encouraged such behaviour in a post on X, due to which he is being sued as well, the lawyers said.

While MDP and Fayyaz are now being sued, the party claimed it was the first family and their lawyers that revealed the name of the child, and thus victimised him. The party reportedly escalated this matter to relevant authorities as well.