Criminal charges for exercising a fundamental right; if this continues, situation will deteriorate significantly: Lawyer Nishan
Legal counsel Nishan has strongly criticized the government, accusing the administration of infringing upon the fundamental rights of its citizens. He highlighted that pursuing criminal charges and penalties against those exercising their right to protest would only lead to further national instability. Nishan further noted that such government actions are the primary reason the public continues to reject the administration at the polls.
Legal counsel Mohamed Nishan Ibrahim speaking during Sunday night's "Fala Surukhee" program. | RaajjeMV
Legal expert Mohamed Nishan Ibrahim has warned that the national situation will deteriorate significantly if criminal charges are brought against Maldivian citizens for exercising their fundamental rights.
Speaking on Sunday night’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Nishan stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration conducted the referendum with a dark underlying motive. However, he noted that the outcome of the vote clearly demonstrated a lack of public support for the government. He further asserted that the public has continued to reject the administration in every subsequent election.
With more than two and a half years having passed and the administration’s term nearing its end, the recurring electoral defeats we are witnessing highlight a fundamental issue. The reason for such significant losses is the government's failure to deliver on its performance. Specifically, the President has failed to fulfill the powers and responsibilities mandated under the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives—particularly those outlined in Article 115. Today, the citizens are saying "no" as a direct consequence of the President's inability to carry out his duties within the established constitutional framework.Attorney Mohamed Nishan Ibrahim
Furthermore, Nishan stated that the government is infringing upon the rights guaranteed to citizens by the Constitution. He noted that this is one of the primary reasons the public is rejecting the current administration.
Nishan stated that the current administration is pursuing criminal charges against citizens for exercising their fundamental rights, asserting that such actions are unacceptable.
When those in power continuously infringe upon the fundamental rights of citizens, it inevitably compels the people to stand up and say "no." This is the core reason for public dissent. To illustrate this, starting tomorrow and throughout the coming week, a steady stream of citizens will be appearing at the Criminal Court to collect documentation regarding criminal charges filed against them. These charges stem from their participation in recent protests where they took to the streets to demand their basic rights. Those summoned include individuals who were arrested during the demonstrations as well as others who simply participated in the movement.Attorney Mohamed Nishan Ibrahim
Nishan stated that the current administration's policy appears to be aimed at criminalizing the exercise of fundamental rights.
He stated that efforts are being made to penalize the public and silence their voices by pursuing criminal charges and imprisoning those who exercise their fundamental rights. He warned, however, that if the government continues to act in this manner, the national situation will deteriorate significantly, and the people will not allow the government such an opportunity.
Furthermore, Nishan stated that when citizens are given the opportunity to voice their opinions through the ballot box, they will overwhelmingly reject the government and express their utter disdain. He added that the government must learn from past events and cease its infringements on the fundamental rights of the people.
