Shifaz summoned to police hq over defamation case

Deputy Leader of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Mohamed Shifaz has been summoned to police headquarters this Tuesday night over a defamation case under investigation by police.

“Sun” has been informed that the case is regarding a complaint filed by Former Vice President of Local Government Authority (LGA), Shujau Hussain over an article published by “Mihaaru” which’s title translates to say “He’s not an MDP member, agenda is to destroy the party: Shifaz”.

MDP issued a statement after Shifaz was summoned for questioning, accusing the government of using the controversial Defamation Act as a weapon to take away freedom of speech in the country.

MDP said that the article published by “Mihaaru” on September 20 did not contain any defamatory content.

“Actions such as these are a direct violation of the people’s right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression by taking unjustifiable advantage of the law. We see this as a violation of press freedom. And an act of intimidation against reporters and media stations to obliterate press freedom,” read the statement issued by MDP.

Reporter Fazeena Ahmed, who wrote the article in question, was also summoned to police headquarters for questioning.