Religious scholar Sheikh Ilyas Hussain has urged lawmakers to repent for giving power to a despot.

Speaking at a campaign event in Hulhumeedhoo on Sunday night, the scholar condemned MPs for working to destroy the justice system.

Sheikh Ilyas said that, while those actions were committed some time ago, the citizens are now having to face the repercussions. He called on all lawmakers and the public to accept that it was a mistake and vow to never repeat it.

“We gave the power. We changed the Supreme Court bench. People make mistakes. No one is perfect. Everyone is flawed.”

He also expressed his belief that the opposition coalition is making amends and working with the citizens to return peace and justice to the country.