A lawsuit has been filed in the Civil Court and Family Court against Mariyam “Mandhy” Zubair, the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and its Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail for allegedly defaming the children of the First Couple.

The lawsuit against MDP Chairperson Fayyaz, MDP activist Mandhy, and MDP was filed by the president's spouse, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of First Lady Sajidha by Rehendhi Chambers.

According to a press release issued by the law firm, during a series of protests held by the MDP in the capital Malé City in March, MDP activist Mariyam Zubair made statements about President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's son, Umair Mohamed Muizzu, which have created a situation endangering Umair's life, and causing significant damage to his education and future.

The statement also mentions that cases have been filed on behalf of Umair's mother, First Lady Sajidha. A case has been filed at the Civil Court against MDP Chairperson Fayyaz, MDP activist Mandhy and the MDP for violating the right to protection of name and reputation guaranteed by the Constitution.

In addition to this, a case has been filed in the Family Court for violating the dignity and protection guaranteed to children by the Child Rights Protection Act and the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The statement says that these cases have been filed to ensure that the right to dignity and protection guaranteed to children by the Constitution and laws cannot be violated, even in the context of political opposition and competition, and to protect children's education, future, and self from harassment, bullying, and exposure to danger.

The statement also mentions that First Lady Sajidha believes it is essential to ensure protection for her children in her capacity as a mother, who are currently in that position, and for other children who may be in those positions in the future.

MDP has received the lawsuit documents linked to the case.

In mid-March, Sajidha released a statement revealing she has been the target of multiple political criticisms before. However, she has not taken any action or commented on political criticisms. She said she has decided to take action against recent political activities where speeches are being made that defame her children under 18 years of age. The statement further says that these measures are being taken personally and that there is no government involvement in it.