Freedom of expression comes with responsibilities: Usham

Attorney General Ahmed Usham on Tuesday urged the public to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly while fulfilling their obligations to others.

In a video shared on the Attorney General's Office's official X account as part of its "Knowledge is Power" campaign, Usham said rights guaranteed under the Constitution come with corresponding responsibilities.

Usham said people should respect the Constitution, protect state property and the environment, and safeguard the rights of others while exercising their own rights.

He also stressed the importance of using public spaces responsibly and ensuring that others are not harmed in the process.

Know Your Rights, Live Your Responsibilities Our Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, but with these rights come responsibilities. We all have a role to play in respecting and protecting the rights of others. This project is undertaken by AGO in partnership with @UNDPMaldives, with support from @EU_Maldives through the #AIMproject. #EngumakeeBaareh

— AG Office Maldives (@AGOmv) November 10, 2026

According to Usham, the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and protest, but such rights must be exercised peacefully and in accordance with the law. He added that while the Constitution protects freedom of expression, it does not permit the infringement of another person's reputation.

“We must accept the fact that a strong democracy is not based on rights alone. Everyone should exercise their rights responsibly and fulfil their obligations to each other, which are essential to a functioning democracy,” Usham said.

The video was shared under the Attorney General's Office's "Knowledge is Power" campaign, which is being conducted in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with support from the European Union-funded AIM project.