Photo from MDP activist’s phone leaked less than 24 hours after police seizure, police deny responsibility

A private photo from the phone of Aishath Shiman, a vocal opposition activist affiliated with the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), was leaked on social media less than 24 hours after the device was confiscated by police, raising serious concerns about data security, abuse of power, and politically motivated intimidation.

The photo was anonymously posted on social media platform ‘X’ shortly after authorities seized Shiman’s phone on Wednesday night. The account that published the image was later reported by multiple users and has since been suspended by the platform. The timing of the leak, however, has drawn sharp criticism from the public and opposition figures, who accuse the police of misconduct and deliberate targeting of government critics.

The police confiscated Shiman’s phone on the grounds of an alleged social media post interpreted as a threat against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Authorities claim the seizure was conducted under a court order. However, questions have arisen about the legality and transparency of the procedure, as the court order was reportedly not presented to Shiman at the time. Further, reports indicate that a separate court order, based on police intelligence, has instructed Shiman to disclose her password and grant full access to her digital apps and communications.

Shiman, who is known online by the handle "Dhonkeyo," has publicly stated that the leaked photo was only stored on her personal device, pointing to a likely breach from within the police institution itself. Her claim has amplified public outrage, with many accusing the government of using state agencies to harass and intimidate dissenters.

The incident has further eroded public confidence in law enforcement’s handling of digital evidence. In response to the growing backlash, the Maldives Police Service (MPS) issued a statement denying any involvement in the leak. The statement emphasized that all digital evidence in their custody is managed in accordance with international standards and robust internal protocols. According to the police, all data on confiscated devices is securely stored, and the allegations of a leak are categorically false.

Despite these assurances, the damage to the police’s credibility appears significant. Many view the leak as a violation of privacy and a calculated act of political intimidation, underscoring broader concerns about the misuse of state power to silence critics and suppress opposition voices under the current administration.

As scrutiny intensifies, this latest controversy has deepened public skepticism toward the government’s commitment to civil liberties and raised alarming questions about the treatment of political dissidents in the Maldives.