Personal videos leaked after police seizure of MDP activist Zaya’s phone

Personal videos belonging to Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), a National Assembly Member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and President of the Hulhumale' North Constituency, were leaked on social media after her phone was seized by police under a court order.

Zaya confirmed the leak to Sun after an anonymous account on X posted two personal videos of her on Sunday. The account has since been removed.

According to Zaya, she received a notification prior to the seizure indicating an attempt to access her Snapchat account. “I have a screenshot of someone trying to access my Snapchat. The attempt was made from near the Sea Tracks building. Then police confiscated the phone,” she said. Zaya emphasized that she is cautious about posting personal content on Snapchat due to her political activism.

She expressed concern over the timing of the leak, stating that no content from her phone had been leaked prior to its seizure. “No one else will have the videos. The phone will have them. I have been active in politics for a long time. Why should there be a leak now?” she said.

Zaya also noted that her phone contains sensitive information, including personal data of family and friends, and photos of close female friends not wearing hijab. Her family is reportedly distressed by the breach.

Police seized Zaya’s phone last Tuesday under a Criminal Court order, citing a Facebook post she allegedly made threatening law enforcement officers. The seizure was based on a police intelligence report and is being investigated by the theft cases department. The warrant is valid for 72 hours.

The incident follows a similar case involving MDP activist Aminath Shiman Ahmed, whose phone was seized over a social media post allegedly suggesting the assassination of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Less than 24 hours after Shiman’s phone was taken, her personal photos were also leaked online.

Police have denied any involvement in the leaks. In a prior statement, they asserted that evidence handling protocols meet international standards and ensure the security of digital resources.

There is no possibility of any information being leaked from any mobile phone, police said, and that the allegation that such an incident occurred is false.