Motion against mocking Islam submitted to Parliament
7 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2019 | ހޯމަ 12:34Initially, two motions were submitted to parliament regarding MDN’s report
Nolhivaram constituency MP Mohamed Nasheed
A motion regarding mockery of Islam has been submitted to the Parliament floor.
The motion was submitted by MP for Nolhivaram constituency, Mohamed Nasheed Abdulla which was backed by five MPs for deliberations.
Submitting the motion, MP Nasheed revealed that Article 10 of the Maldives constitution reveals that “the religion in Maldives is Islam and it shall be the one of the basis of all laws of the Maldives and no law contrary to any tenet of Islam shall be enacted in Maldives”, contrary to which Maldives Democracy Network (MDN) has released its “Preliminary Report on Radicalization in Maldives”, which is deemed to contain content that contradicts Islamic tenets and soils the name of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Members who had deliberated on the motion had defended the religion, stating that such reports must be “strictly investigated” by the government.
MP for Addu-Maradhoo constituency Ibrahim Shareef revealed that pointing fingers and playing the blame game is an irresponsible act and that such matters must be handled by relevant authorities, which is urgently required in MDN’s case.
Stressing that mocking the Prophet or Islam in any way is intolerable, Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad condemned the report.
Further, MP for south-Mahchangoalhi constituency Ahmed Haitham revealed that the issue surfaced after the Anti-Terrorism Act came into being, but that a 31-page report had surfaced in 2016 as well. He stressed that some individuals believe they are “immune” after the act came into being after they which they believe they can say whatever they please.
Initially, two motions were submitted to parliament regarding MDN’s report. The other motion was submitted by People’s National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group leader Adam Shareef Umar who withdrew the motion as both motions posed similar concerns.
A case against the report was filed at Maldives Police Service (MPS) earlier following which they revealed that its investigations have been highly prioritized. Police further revealed that everyone behind the report “will be held accountable”.
MDN’s report was published years ago and they have since, very recently apologized for the language used in it after coming under fire from public scrutiny.
