‘Full stop movement’ launched to oppose civil rights restrictions; first march planned in Malé on Thursday
The Full stop movement aims to combat civil liberty encroachments and government corruption under the Muizzu administration
Friday night’s event at Usfasgandu
A new civil rights initiative, the ‘Full stop movement’, has been launched in response to what its organizers describe as growing encroachments on the civil liberties of Maldivian citizens under the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
The movement was officially introduced during a gathering held on Friday night at Usfasgandu, where Mohamed Shahuzaan, Vice President of the Maldives Journalist Association (MJA), publicly announced its formation.
Speaking at the event, Shahuzaan stated that the movement is not limited to opposing the recently ratified Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, but is intended to serve as a broader platform against any infringement of fundamental rights.
Shahuzaan said that the full stop movement was created to put a full stop to the unjust actions of the government, outlining the movement’s key concerns: government corruption, misuse of public funds, excessive powers granted to officials, and wasteful expenditure, including spending on government leaders’ families.
He affirmed that the movement would continue its activities for as long as such issues persist, and confirmed that talks are underway with various civil society organizations, with several already joining the cause.
The movement plans to organize weekly activities, with events scheduled every Thursday. The first such event will be a peaceful march in the capital Malé City this coming Thursday, which organizers say will serve as a platform to amplify public concerns about governance and accountability.
Movement representatives also criticized the government’s economic policies, stating that the cost of living has risen sharply, and that many Maldivians are struggling to lead a dignified life. They claim the government is responding to this growing discontent by curbing press freedom and restricting freedom of expression, pointing to the recently enacted media law as evidence.
Opposition parties have echoed these concerns, accusing the president of pursuing authoritarian policies and undermining democratic development in the country.
