PNC Condemns Fayyaz’s Defence of Controversial Remarks
The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has condemned Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail for defending remarks made by an MDP activist that appeared to call for the repetition of the fate of the first President of the Maldives, Mohamed Ameen, for the current President, Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
ނޫސްބަޔާން:https://t.co/aZARjLBwJ7 pic.twitter.com/uvsWFTkIfu
— HRC of the Maldives (@hrcmv) December 10, 2024advertisement
In an official statement, the PNC labelled the comments as promoting “hate speech” and described them as a direct encouragement of violence. The party also characterised the remarks as an act of terrorism and called for a full investigation into the incident.
The original comments were made by an MDP activist—who was previously a member of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)—during an MDP meeting in Kulhudhuffushi City. The meeting was part of preparations for the party’s upcoming event, Qaanoonu Asaaseege Dhifaaugai [Defending the Constitution].
ނޫސް ބަޔާން – ޓެރަރިޒަމަށް ހިތްވަރުދީ އެމްޑީޕީން ދައްކަމުންދާ ވާހަކަތައް ކުށްވެރިކޮށް ކޮންގްރެސް ޕާޓީއިން ނެރޭ ނޫސް ބަޔާން.#PressRelease#DhiveheengeRaajje #CongressPartyMV pic.twitter.com/FNwS2UAtlo— PNC Secretariat (@pnc_secretariat) December 10, 2024
During a press conference on Monday, Fayyaz Ismail said, “If the public are dealt with poorly, Ameen’s fate must be replicated.” However, he later clarified that the statement had been made by the activist at a podium as part of advice to the President and not a direct endorsement.
The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has also weighed in on the matter, stressing that promoting violence through rhetoric is incompatible with the spirit of the Right to Freedom of Expression. The commission reiterated that while freedom of expression is protected under Article 27 of the Constitution, it must be exercised responsibly, without inciting violence or hatred.
HRCM emphasised that the right to free speech should never undermine social harmony or the well-being of others. The rights body strongly condemned the expression of views that compromise societal peace and urged political leaders and parties to refrain from rhetoric that could lead to violence.
In its statement, the HRCM called on all citizens to respect human dignity while exercising their constitutional rights and to ensure their actions foster peaceful political activity. The organisation also warned against using political platforms to harm reputations, incite unrest, or encourage violence.
Concluding its remarks, the HRCM urged political parties to operate within the legal framework and prioritise peaceful conduct during public events and campaigns.
This incident marks a significant point of division amid ongoing political tensions in the Maldives, with concerns mounting over how rhetoric from influential political figures can affect national peace and stability.
