Cade sacked from political post after condemning Falah's remarks

Ibrahim “Cade” Saeed has been dismissed from his government position after condemning the remarks made by Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), who suggested that journalists should be "killed."

Cade was dismissed from his position on Thursday, where he had been serving as the Senior Political Director at the Ministry of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation.

According to a letter sent by the President's Office, Cade was dismissed under the authority granted to the President by Article 115 (f) of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.

Cade’s dismissal comes less than 24 hours after he condemned MP Falah's comments regarding journalists. He had stated that the matter of MP Falah calling for the killing of journalists should be investigated, and that one cannot always rely on power and influence. He also mentioned that he was “not afraid” of MP Falah.

MP Falah invoked a brutal method of torture and execution historically practiced, a phrase that carries violent, chilling connotations. In his speech, Falah suggested that this method “needs to be done” to journalists.

MP Falah's comments have been widely criticized. The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has also condemned Falah's remarks, while Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has stated that Falah and PNC should apologize to journalists.

While speaking about a bill proposed to eliminate independent media, MP Falah asserted that some media outlets had spread false news about him, and that employees of such media should be killed.

While Falah made these claims, it is noteworthy that no media outlet has published such false information about him; the narratives in question have only circulated on social media.