Gov’t Denies Link to Attack on Malé Mayor at MDP Gathering

Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef stated yesterday that the government has no connection to the attack on Malé Mayor Adam Azim during the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) gathering held on Friday evening.

As MDP supporters were walking near the Henveiru Cemetery on Friday evening, a young man approached Azim, struck him in the chest, and pushed him.

The gathering was being broadcast live on television. Following the incident, several individuals in the crowd intervened, confronted the young man, and removed him from the scene.

In a statement, the President’s Office said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had viewed videos of the incident and condemned the attack.

“As the Mayor of Malé City is an official elected by the direct vote of the people, the president assures that attacking or obstructing the work of the mayor, or any other political leader, whether during their political activities or in their personal lives, is unacceptable. The government will always work to prevent such incidents and ensure a safe environment free from fear for every citizen,” the statement read.

Spokesperson Rejects Allegations

In remarks to the media, Shareef said it was “surprising” that Azim suggested the attack had been orchestrated by the government, adding that no evidence had been presented to support such a claim.

He stated that the incident has no connection to the government and said the allegation is false, warning against making unfounded accusations.

Shareef also expressed concern that neither the MDP nor the Malé City Council had reported the incident to the police.

He noted that law enforcement authorities are responsible for ensuring public safety, and said the failure to report such incidents could hinder their work. According to Shareef, police began investigating the case after footage of the incident circulated on social media.

Security Arrangements and Investigation

The spokesperson further said the Mayor of Malé is entitled to state security upon request, given the nature of the position.

He added that police regularly conduct threat assessments for senior officials and would arrange security if any risks are identified.

MDP Condemns Attack, Calls for Investigation

Following the attack, MDP interim chairperson Abdul Gafoor Moosa strongly condemned the assault on Adam Azim and called for a swift investigation.

“This attack must be thoroughly investigated, and the police must be urged to ensure the necessary security for Mayor Azim,” he said on X.

މި ޕާޓީގެ ސުލްހަވެރި ސިލްސިލާ މުޒާހަރާ ކުރިއަށްދަނިކޮށް، މާލެ ސިޓީގެ މޭޔަރ @adamazim އަށް މިރޭ ދިން ހަމަލާ ހަރުކަށި އިބާރާތުން ކުށްވެރި ކުރަން. މި ހަމަލާ މިހާރުން މިހާރަށް ތަހުގީގުކޮށް، މޭޔަރ އާޒިމަށް ދޭންޖެހޭ ރައްކާތެރިކަން ކަށަވަރުކޮށްދިނުމަށް @PoliceMv އަށް ގޮވާލަން pic.twitter.com/xSj9UIMXV9— Abdul Gafoor Moosa (@mpgapo) April 24, 2026

In an interview with Adhadhu News, Mayor Azim said he believes the attack was planned by the government, alleging it was linked to ongoing opposition criticism of the current administration. He said those around him at the rally intervened and prevented further harm.

Azim added that such acts would not deter them, stating they would continue to advocate on issues including shortages of medicine in the Maldives and the appointment of unqualified individuals to manage hospitals.