Court Orders Full-Body Images of MDP Activists Amid Ongoing Investigation
MDP rallies against government | Photo: MDP
The Criminal Court has issued an order instructing Maldives Police to take full-body images—excluding sexual organs—of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Council member Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem) and activist Mariyam Zubair (Mandhi), as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
Saleem and Zubair were recently summoned by Police for a second time in relation to statements allegedly made about the President’s son during an MDP demonstration. The second summons, as detailed in a formal chit, cited the court order requiring full-body photographs and voice samples of the pair. The Police stated that the photographs were necessary to compare with video footage to confirm the identities of individuals captured making the remarks.
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According to Police, the request for full-body images specifically excluded sexual organs, citing regulatory constraints. A Police official explained that while the regulations do not outline the taking of photographs under provisions related to external samples, they do mention “visible external markings on the body.” The official noted that procedures are in place for photographing sexual organs and must be adhered to separately.
The move has drawn public criticism after the nature of the summons became known. However, the Police have not issued any statements in response to the concerns.
Saleem and Zubair were initially scheduled to appear at the Police station yesterday. However, the summons was later cancelled, with Police informing them that a new date would be provided.
While the criminal investigation continues, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has filed a defamation case against Zubair at the Civil Court, alongside a separate case at the Family Court. The First Family is being represented by former Attorney General Azima Shukoor’s law firm.
The law firm previously stated that Zubair’s comments—referring to the President’s son, Umair Mohamed Muizzu—could endanger his physical safety and pose a threat to life. They also said the remarks could severely impact his future and education, and constitute a violation of both the Child Protection Act and the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.
During the demonstration, Saleem and Zubair appeared to imply that the government’s ban on vapes in the Maldives was linked to the President’s son using them. The President’s family has denied these allegations, asserting that Umair has never used a vape.
