Police release MDP activists’ phones, but continue investigation

The police have released the mobile phones of two activists from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), that were seized last week as part of criminal investigations over posts they shared on social media.

The two MDP activists - Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya) and Aminath Shiman Ahmed – were confiscated by the police last week.

A police spokesperson said that Zaya, a member of the MDP’s national council and the party’s president of North Hulhumale’ constituency, had her phone returned on Sunday.

But the investigation against her remains in progress, added the spokesperson.

Zaya told Sun that she got back her phone after persistent pressing by her lawyers. She said that the police have yet to take her statement.

The police had seized her phone on October 7. According to the police, she is under investigation over a Facebook post in which she allegedly threatened the police.

A day later, the police seized the phone of Aminath Shiman Ahmed, a 20-year-old activist from MDP, in a similar case.

According to police, Shiman is under investigation over a comment she made on social media platform X on September 20 in which she allegedly suggested that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu should be killed.

Her phone has also been returned to her.

The MDP has labeled the investigations as an attempt to intimidate them over their participation in a mass anti-corruption rally held in Male’ on October 3.

“No right to privacy, no due process, no justice or fairness. Only vindictive punishment for daring to defy the president,” reads a brief statement released by the party.

The release of the phones come after the police was accused of leaking private photos and videos in their phones – allegations that are denied by the police.