MDP calls on authorities to stop the harassment against social media activist Thayyib Shaheem

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called on the authorities to quit harassing social media activist, Thayyib Shaheem.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the party 'strongly' condemned the government's continued harassment of Shaheem.

Shaheem's phone was confiscated by the police on Monday, as part of an ongoing investigation into his social media posts on President Abdulla Yameen, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) President Hassan Luthufee and other senior government officials, and to find out his informants. His phone was confiscated under a court order.

Shaheem was jailed back in March, following tweets regarding the H1N1 outbreak in the Maldives. Amnesty International had declared him a prisoner of conscience.

MDP further called on the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to stop pestering the people, and to ensure that the people are safe.

Noting that Shaheem is a "brave" individual who uses his social media platforms to bring awareness to the various corruption by the government, MDP emphasized that his phone was confiscated through an "unlawful" court order.

Hence, MDP said that his phone, tablets and memory cards were seized unlawfully.

The statement further expressed concern over the continued intimidation against the social media activist, despite the Constitution guaranteeing the freedom of media and expression.