Maldives dissolves human rights NGO over 'anti-Islamic' report
19 ޑިސެމްބަރު 2019 | ބުރާސްފަތި 11:50The Registrar of NGOs made the decision to dissolve the group in November
MDN Report with founder and Executive Director Shahindha Ismail in the background | Avas.Mv
Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN) has officially been dissolved.
The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Development made the announcement via a press release on Thursday.
The ministry made the decision to dissolve the human rights’ NGO after giving it 45 days to settle any debts and properties, this period expired on Thursday.
The ministry said that the decision to officially dissolve the group was made after its officials failed to send in any information regarding the matter.
MDN faced criticism earlier this year, over the anti-Islamic rhetoric used in a report published in 2016 entitled ‘Preliminary Assessment of Radicalization in the Maldives.’
While authorities investigated the matter, senior officials of MDN were summoned to police questioning. However, they were unable to do so as both Azra Naseem and Shahindha Ismail reside abroad. Azra is to have informed authorities beforehand, citing fear of personal safety.
MDN has apologized for the language in its report, adding that it will be revised “with assistance from religious scholars.”
Noting that the group's aim is to "promote and protect moderate views, peace and unity in the Maldives," MDN said that it "does not accept or condone disrespect to Islam.”
While the opposition and some clerics demanded the dissolution of NGO and arrest of its officials, those that condemned the group include ruling party lawmakers, ministers and ruling coalition leaders.
