MDP Claims Government Employees Dismissed After Joining Friday Rally
MDP supporters attending the rally on October 3, 2025 | Photo: MDP
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has alleged that several employees from government institutions were dismissed from their positions following their participation in the party’s rally held last Friday at Artificial Beach.
In a post on X, the MDP also stated that police confiscated the mobile phones of two participants over social media posts made during the protest. According to the party, six individuals remain in police custody.
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The MDP accused the government of attempting to intimidate the opposition and silenting dissent.
Some employees at government institutions have been terminated following their participation in the October 3rd, protest, while 2 others have had their phones confiscated by police for posts made on social media. 6 protestors still remain in custody.
Every single case…— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) October 9, 2025
“Every single case constitutes undeniable political persecution and discrimination, with the express intent to intimidate opposition and silence all dissent. These desperate actions are proof of the failure of this administration, and their desperation of to control the public,” MDP said on X.
One of the confiscated devices belongs to Fathimath Zahiyaa, President of the MDP’s North Hulhumale’ constituency. The party said the court order to seize her phone cited the need to collect evidence regarding alleged threats made against police on 4 October.
Police arrested eight people during the rally, with the Criminal Court ordering 15 days in custody for seven of them. Addu City Councillor Hussain Zareer was later released.
Additionally, police have confiscated the phone of opposition activist Aishath Shiman, accusing her of making threats against President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, according to the court order addressed to her. Adhadhu reported that two court orders were issued against her — one authorising the confiscation of her phone and another instructing her to provide passwords and grant access to her accounts to the Maldives Police Service (MPS).
The party announced plans to stage a large-scale protest on 17 November if the government fails to respond to its demands. The decision was made during the MDP’s national congress on Saturday night, following its Lootuvaalaifi rally in Malé. Among the party’s demands was the release of the detainees.
