MDP expresses concern over surveillance and intimidation of Maldivians in Sri Lanka based on political affiliation
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed grave concern over allegations that Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka are being intimidated and interrogated about their political beliefs by local police. The opposition party alleges that these actions are a dangerous escalation orchestrated by the government in connection with President Muizzu’s official visit, and has called for an immediate end to the surveillance of citizens abroad while demanding that their constitutional rights be upheld. Furthermore, the MDP’s statement urged the government to provide full transparency regarding these incidents and to ensure the safety of the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka.
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The main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has expressed grave concern over reports that Maldivian citizens residing in Sri Lanka are being intimidated and interrogated in connection with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's ongoing official visit to the country.
In a statement, the MDP said it has received credible information regarding acts of surveillance and intimidation being carried out against Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka.
In a statement, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) claimed that Sri Lankan police have entered and searched the private residences of at least four Maldivian nationals for questioning. According to the party, those targeted include a former official who served at the Maldivian High Commission in Sri Lanka during the previous administration. The MDP further alleged that these actions are believed to have been carried out at the request of, or in coordination with, the current Maldivian government.
Reports indicate that Sri Lankan police have been entering the homes of Maldivians to question them regarding their political views on President Muizzu. The MDP further stated that authorities have attempted to pressure individuals into signing statements written in Sinhala—a language they do not understand—instructing them not to attend a gathering scheduled for this week where President Muizzu is set to meet with the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, reports indicate that police conducted a search of one individual's residence and personal electronic devices, which lasted approximately two hours.
The MDP stated that prior to these incidents, the Maldivian High Commission in Sri Lanka had contacted the individuals to invite them to the President’s function. However, after they repeatedly declined the invitation, reports indicate that police approached them and warned that they would be arrested if they attended the event. The MDP also noted that when the police arrived to question them, the officers were already in possession of their personal information, including photographs and permanent residential addresses in the Maldives.
The MDP stated that these actions fall outside the standard security protocols typically implemented during high-level state visits. The party characterized this as a dangerous escalation by the Maldivian government and the High Commission to monitor and surveil Maldivians living abroad based on their political affiliations.
The MDP has reminded the government that fundamental rights, such as the freedom of expression guaranteed to every Maldivian citizen under the Constitution, must also be protected while residing abroad. Consequently, the party has called for an immediate end to the surveillance and intimidation of Maldivians living overseas and demanded full transparency regarding the incidents that occurred during this trip. Furthermore, the party urged the government to ensure that no citizen is subjected to unlawful punishment for expressing their political views.
