Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has claimed that MP Mauroof Zakir and two other party members are being charged with the intention of obstructing the party's Local Council Election campaign.
In a press statement issued today, the main opposition party asserted that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly without seeking prior permission from the State for every citizen. They stated that they had staged a peaceful political gathering on October 3, 2025 in Male'.
The party alleged that the government tried to disrupt the gathering through various actions by the Police. They further accused the government on instigating unrest at the event and using excessive force in the arrest of several participants.
The party argued that bringing charges against an MP, a National Council member, and an active MDP member five months after the gathering shows clear political motivation.
The party's statement claimed that the move was intended to intimidate them, disrupt their local council election campaign, and discourage turnout for the major protest planned for March 21 against what they described as a referendum aimed at undermining the electoral system.
The Police's case-conclusion report stated that, as of Thursday, files concerning Mauroof, National Council member Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), and general member AbduSalam of Maafolhey Villa, N. Holhudhoo, have been forwarded for prosecution.
The report said that Police are seeking charges against all three for gathering on the streets, protesting loudly, disrupting businesses and traffic, obstructing police work, and refusing to comply with police orders.
Mauroof was arrested in December last year as well, while participating in a protest by the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union.
Zahiyya is a candidate in the upcoming Local Council elections, running on an MDP ticket for North Hulhumale' councilor.
