Silencing people is not something any leader has ever succeeded in doing: ex-MP Ibrahim Rasheed

Former Member of Parliament for Central Maafannu constituency, Ibrahim Rasheed, has stated that no leader throughout history has succeeded in silencing the people, and that such efforts will not succeed in the Maldives either.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Ibrahim Rasheed launched a scathing critique of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. He strongly condemned the imprisonment of *Adhadhu* journalists Mohamed Shahuzan and Leevan Ali Nasir on May 12, 2026. He further characterized the arrests as a deliberate attempt to intimidate both the public and the press.

Ibrahim Rasheed stated that human expression cannot be silenced, noting that no leader throughout history has ever succeeded in such an endeavor. He further emphasized that the freedom of the press and the freedom of thought cannot be suppressed.

Freedom of thought is an inherent right that no human being can strip away from another. Every individual must be free to express the sentiments and ideas that arise from their own intellect. Our Constitution, within its chapter on fundamental rights, provides a very broad scope for freedom of speech and expression, allowing for the voicing of sentiments, the right to protest, and the ability to engage in open dialogue and debate. However, as you noted, what we witnessed today was an attempt to use intimidation against the public. They are using fear as a tool of power. But the people will not be intimidated, nor will they falter. The citizens of the Maldives have reached a far more advanced stage, having already established democracy and secured this Constitution for the nation. If such circumstances arise, every citizen of this country stands ready to face imprisonment to defend these rights.

Ibrahim Rasheed, former Member of Parliament for the Maafannu Central constituency.

Referring to the gag order issued to restrict commentary on an ongoing legal matter, Ibrahim Rasheed stated that this is not COVID-19, and such an order will not spread across the nation the way the pandemic did. He further asserted that the public will not accept this gag order.

This originated from within the United States. Ironically, the loudest outcry is directed at the U.S. itself. Previously, within the U.S. Congress, citizens expressed their opinions in the same manner, with everyone advocating for their rights. Consequently, this measure was specifically designed to prevent the House of Representatives and their lobbyists from advocating for those rights. Now, various individuals claiming to be lawyers have picked this up, dusted it off, and are rebranding it under different names. Among them are lawyers who operate covertly, even entering homes uninvited. One such lawyer was recently spotted leaving Muliaage carrying a food carrier. Such lawyers exist under every administration. These individuals take these obscure legal instruments and are now referring to them as "gag orders." This is not a concept familiar to the Maldivian public. We have seen various administrations—Maumoon’s presidency, Waheed’s presidency, and Yameen’s presidency. During those times, no citizen ever spoke of a "gag order." I am astonished that such a generalized gag order has been issued today.

Ibrahim Rasheed, the former Member of Parliament for the Maafannu Medhu constituency.

Ibrahim Rasheed stated that journalists have the right to ask questions regarding matters of national concern, noting that the reporter from Adhadhu was doing exactly that. He further asserted that despite the current use of power to intimidate the public and the press, they will not succumb to such threats.