Yameen: MDP is the only party working to safeguard rights, alliance formed for sake of people

Former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, citing that the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is currently the only political force actively taking to the streets in defense of public rights, said his cooperation with the MDP is motivated solely by the pursuit of rights of the Maldivian people amid what he described as the systematic impeding of freedom of expression.

The remarks come in the wake of the prosecution of Adhadhu’s CEO Hussain Fiyaaz and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed regarding a content publicized by the media outlet. Meanwhile, Adhadhu journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevaan Ali Naseer has been jailed for 15 and 10 days respectively, Shahzan, for a question he posed at a press conference at the President’s Office and Leevan, for a news article he wrote.

In light of these developments, former presidents Yameen, Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih convened on Friday night. In a joint statement following the meeting, the three leaders demanded the immediate release of Shahzan and Leevaan, to cease all legal proceedings against Adhadhu journalists, and the of a “gag order” issued by the Criminal Court.

Addressing a town hall meeting organized by his party, the People’s National Front (PNF), Yameen acknowledged that despite continuing to hold significant ideological differences with the MDP, he had chosen to work alongside the party in the interest of the public.

“It is MDP that has stepped forward to ensure the rights of the people; no other [party] is doing so,” Yameen said.

Emphasizing freedom of expression as constitutionally guaranteed right, Yameen argued that the country is witnessing a severe obstruction of its most basic liberties. He questioned why he should refrain from cooperating with the MDP in efforts to restore those rights.

Yameen said the three former presidents had agreed to set aside their longstanding political differences in order to form an alliance, citing growing concerns over the direction in which the country is headed.

“I am a staunch nationalist, and I remain so. However, I have to say, I stood up in spite of all these things, because much greater injustices are taking place under the current administration,” he said.

Citing there appeared to be no other effective means of holding the government accountable, Yameen said forming the alliance is greater priority than revisiting past political disputes among the three leaders. Addressing his supporters, Yameen urged them to remain resolute and assured them that he would not disappoint them.

“I want to say to my supporters, to remain firm, and that I would not let them down,” he said.

Describing the collaboration as a crucial national undertaking, Yameen said that safeguarding the Maldivian people, national sovereignty, and democracy transcends individual political affiliations. He also expressed concern over what he described as the restriction of basic freedoms, claiming that even simple expressions and actions are now subject to punishment.

Yameen added that, regardless of the severity of the country’s current challenges, stability and order could still be restored through sustained effort and determination.

“One cannot speak out, draw a cartoon, carry a protest sign, or even move a sofa set into a home without facing restrictions. This is the extent to which things have deteriorated in the Maldives. When the country reaches such a state, it becomes imperative for others to unite and work together,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference following the joint meeting, Yameen has echoed allegations that the current administration is creating significant barriers to press freedom, specifically through the use of court orders to silence journalists.

The three former presidents concluded that their collective experience leading the country over the past two decades placed upon them a responsibility to protect the national interest. They agreed to work together against what they described as the government’s encroachment on fundamental rights and its undue influence over the judiciary and Parliament. According to the leaders, the alliance’s primary objective is to restore democratic principles and ensure the independence of state institutions, which they contend are currently under threat.