MDP condemns fear-mongering and violent extremism

Acts and speech that monger fear and churn violence will not be tolerated, says ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

MDP released a statement on Saturday following a meeting of the National Council in which 57 members participated to discuss the issue, which has become a raising concern after the Maldives Democracy Network (MDN) controversy.

In its statement, MDP encourages to maintain religious beliefs at an average and affirms that it will not tolerate any acts or speech against Islam.

The party condemns all acts that tarnish the name of the religion and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and MDP believes that the rights of speech guaranteed to all under the Maldives Constitution must be practiced in a way that does not mock the tenets of Islam.

The statement further reads that it will not support the dissolving of organizations or acts that hinder their work.

Opportunities will not be given for those acting out of law or due procedure and anyone caught doing so will be legally punished, reads the statement.

Further, it assured the public that strict measures will be taken against those who practice rights of speech in ways that are against the laws, and urged for measures to be taken against those who openly threaten others and promote violent extremism.

Spreading hatred and fear-mongering that destroy national unity, will not be permitted in any society, reads the statement.

It also expressed grief that a few political individuals are observably taking advantage of such situations to monger fear in people’s hearts which in turn, will lead to the country spiraling into chaos.

Urging the public to bring an end to extremism and fear-mongering, MDP called on the government to investigate and take appropriate action against those who are working to spread fear among the society.

This comes at a time the Maldives Police Service (MPS) is looking into a case regarding Maldives Democracy Network (MDN)’s “Preliminary Report on Radicalization in Maldives” report that is deemed to contain content that contradicts Islamic tenets and soils the name of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Investigations have been “highly prioritized” and 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.