Trial of Zahiyya over mass protest scheduled for Wednesday
The state has filed charges against eight individuals, including Hulhumale North Councilor Zahiyya, for allegedly obstructing law enforcement during an MDP protest held last year. While Zahiyya has characterized the prosecution as an attempt by the government to intimidate political opponents, the MDP maintains that police used excessive force to disperse the demonstration. These legal proceedings are set to commence as the MDP prepares to launch nationwide protests against current government policies.
Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), Councilor for the North Hulhumale' Constituency. | X
The Criminal Court has scheduled the commencement of trial proceedings for Wednesday against Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), the Councilor for the North Hulhumale' constituency, regarding a major protest held in Male' by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on October 3 last year.
The preliminary hearing for this case was scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
In connection with the protest, the state has charged Zahiyya with obstructing a law enforcement officer in the execution of their duty. The charges were brought under Section 532(b), with reference to Section 532(a) of the Maldives Penal Code. A total of eight individuals have been charged in this case, including Zahiyya and the Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir.
In response to the charges, Zahiyya stated that she would not bow down to the intimidation tactics of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, whom she claimed has lost the support of the public.
During the protest held by the MDP last October, demonstrators attempted to march from Artificial Beach along Majeedhee Magu. However, police obstructed the march using force and specialized equipment. It was further noted that police unlawfully utilized high-decibel sound as a weapon to disperse the protesters.
The scheduling of Zahiyya’s trial coincides with a nationwide protest movement launched by the MDP against President Muizzu’s administration, which the party accuses of reckless governance detrimental to the country. The decision to hold nationwide protests this Thursday followed a resolution passed unanimously by 52 members during an MDP National Council meeting on Monday night.
