MDP to submit case against Sajidha, Azima to authorities for violating a child's dignity

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to submit a case to relevant authorities against First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and her legal counsel Azima Shakoor for disclosing information that compromises the dignity of a minor.

Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday, MDP’s Legal Committee member Lawyer Ahmed Mauroof said that they have decided to submit the case to the relevant ministry and the Family and Child Protection Department (FCPD) of the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

Sajidha has decided to file a civil lawsuit against Mariyam “Mandhy” Zubair, the Maldivian Democratic Party, and the party's Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail for allegedly defaming President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's children.

At a press conference held at Dhimyaath on 15 March 2025, Legal Counsel Azima Shakoor shared a press statement on behalf of the first lady, with the media. The press statement disclosed personal information such as the name and age of a minor.

He said this stemmed from comments made at a protest. However, Mauroof noted that no child's name or personal information was revealed at the protest he was referring to. However, Mauroof also pointed out that it was the first lady and Legal Counsel Azima Shakoor who disclosed the child's profile. Noting that Azima, acting as Sajidha's legal counsel, did not conduct herself properly at the press conference, he said that MDP has decided to submit the matter to the relevant ministry and FCPD.

Sajidha's statement said that she has been the target of various political criticisms before. However, she had not spoken out or taken action against political criticisms. But the statement says that she has decided to take action against recent political activities where speeches are made in a way that defames her children under 18 years of age.