Those arrested for protesting under this administration are not political prisoners: Shareef

Government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef has stated that individuals arrested for protesting under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration are not considered political prisoners.

During a press conference held at the President's Office on Saturday, a journalist questioned whether individuals currently being detained during ongoing protests would be classified as political prisoners. This inquiry referenced remarks made by President Muizzu during the recently launched "Nation Talk" program on state media. The journalist further sought clarification from the President regarding which specific individuals were considered to have been politically imprisoned during the previous administration.

In response to these questions, Shareef stated that President Muizzu’s pledge not to arrest political rivals out of vengeance was an absolute truth. He further asserted that no president could deny the validity of that commitment.

Shareef stated that the current administration has not subjected any former president to political harassment.

Furthermore, Shareef stated that those arrested during the ongoing protests are not political prisoners, but are being detained for disobeying police orders. He added that individuals who defy police instructions will be arrested in accordance with established procedures and will have their remand periods extended.

The President’s most recent remarks addressed whether it is true that political rivals are no longer being targeted for retribution. He asserted that no political opponents are being arrested, a claim that carries significant weight. It is unlikely that any former president could deny this reality. Historically, every individual who has held office either personally oversaw the arrest of their predecessors and rivals or saw them imprisoned during their administration. President Yameen has previously claimed he was not responsible for such actions, and President Waheed recently responded to my earlier comments on the matter. Out of respect for the office of the presidency, I have endeavored to provide a thoughtful and considerate response. The core message remains: under this administration, God willing, no former leader—whether it be President Solih, President Yameen, President Waheed, President Nasheed, or President Maumoon—will be subjected to such treatment.

Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef

Highlighting that the right to peaceful assembly is a legally protected right in the Maldives, Shareef stated that the current administration has expanded this right fivefold and increased the number of designated areas where protests can be held. However, he noted that protesters are attempting to advance through Majeedhee Magu with the intention of further obstructing traffic flow.

Shareef stated that while police generally facilitate various protests, they will intervene if demonstrators disregard specific route instructions or if the situation causes significant public disruption. He further noted that despite repeated police requests to conclude demonstrations by the agreed-upon time, protesters often fail to do so. Shareef emphasized that once the limits of tolerance are reached, the police will fulfill their duty to enforce order.

Despite these assertions by Shareef , numerous individuals continue to be detained during recent anti-government protests.